In this special episode of Designed for Life, we celebrate International Women's Day with a very special speech given by Dame Stephanie Shirley.

Dame Stephanie (Steve) Shirley CH is an ardent venture philanthropist with an unrelenting energy for creating positive change. She arrived in England as an unaccompanied child refugee at the start of the Second World War, and in 1962 started a software business from her dining table, which grew to employ 8,500 people and was ultimately valued at almost $3 billion.

Motivated to share the rewards of her success with a society that had extended such generosity to her as a child, Dame Stephanie decided to give away her wealth. Now in her late 80s, she is driven by a lifetime of extraordinary experiences and achievements and still dedicates every day to making her life one that was worth saving.

We know that you will enjoy listening to Dame Steve's message for a day that is very close to her heart and one that the Design and Technology Association is proud to celebrate with female students and women across the UK. 

So sit back, relax in 30-minutes of 'me time' and enjoy Designed for Life, celebrating women's achievement across the UK with Dame Stephanie Shirley. 

PS. If you are inspired to read a signed copy of Dame Shirley's book 'Let it go', please email [email protected]. As stated in the podcast, it is a unique and inspirational read, and all proceeds from sales made through this link are sent directly to her charity Autistica.