Oral History of Dame Stephanie Shirley

Interviewed (via online video chat) by Marie Hicks, on 2018-02-18 in Henley on Thames, U.K. X8463.2018
© Computer History Museum

In this moving testament to a remarkable life, Dame Stephanie ("Steve") Shirley begins this interview by discussing her dramatic rescue to England from Hitler's looming war as a Kindertransport child. Her early years as an adopted child, along with her sister, were safe and largely pleasant and she attended good English schools. She began her working life at the British Post Office research center at Dollis Hill, a highly stimulating working environment, though one in which she realized that as a women her horizons were limited. This reality gave Shirley the motivation to begin her own company, by women, for women, in which she hired women who had professional training but who had given up work to raise families. Shirley’s unique approach to work allowed these women to continue being caregivers while also advancing their careers. Shirley's company was very successful after a decade of challenging times. She later sold the company and retired, becoming one of the UK's best-known philanthropists.


Note: Transcripts represent what was said in the interview. However, to enhance meaning or add clarification, interviewees have the opportunity to modify this text afterwards. This may result in discrepancies between the transcript text and the video recording. Please see the transcript for further information: http://www.computerhistory.org/collec...

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Catalog Number: 102738708
Lot Number: X8463.2018