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Let It Go

My Extraordinary Story - From Refugee to Entrepreneur to Philanthropist
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( 795 ratings, 113 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Let It Go is an autobiography chronicling the extraordinary life of Dame Stephanie Shirley. Fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe as a child, she arrived in England as a refugee, eventually founding a pioneering software company in the 1960s from her dining table. The book delves into her radical business model, personal tragedies, and her philanthropic journey, highlighting her resilience and innovative spirit.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by inspiring stories of resilience and innovation. This compelling memoir details the extraordinary life journey of a pioneering tech entrepreneur who overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve success, making it a captivating read for those interested in business, history and personal growth.

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This fascinating memoir charts Dame Stephanie's life from her time as a child in Germany and arrival in England as an unaccompanied Kindertransport refugee through to her retirement and dedication to charity.

An incredible memoir from one of Britain's leading computer pioneers turned ardent philanthropists.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Let It Go is an inspirational memoir from a woman who made a fortune in a man's world and then gave it all away.

In 1962, Stephanie "Steve" Shirley founded an IT software company when the concept of software barely existed. The company created huge opportunities for women in tech, allowing them to work on projects like the programming of the black box flight recorder from the comfort of their own home. The business thrived, and Shirley gradually transferred ownership of the company to those who worked for it, creating 70 millionaires in the process.

Let It Go explores Shirley's trailblazing career as an entrepreneur, but it also charts her incredible personal storyβ€”her dramatic arrival in England as an unaccompanied Kindertransport refugee from Germany and the tragic death of her son, Giles, who suffered severely from Autism.

Today, Dame Stephanie Shirley is one of Britain's leading philanthropists, devoting most of her time, energy, and money to supporting and creating charities in the areas of Autism and STEM. This is an engrossing story of an extraordinary life, filled with lessons in what it means to be human.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Let It Go is often described as a genuinely inspiring biography, chronicling the remarkable life of Dame Stephanie Shirley. The book offers an extraordinary narrative of creativity, resilience, and impactful philanthropy, as well as providing significant business insights on growth, succession, and management. Readers find it an engrossing and motivational account that serves as a role model, particularly for young women, highlighting themes of determination, humour, and generosity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241395493

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 April 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 235g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Stephanie Shirley (Author) Dame Stephanie Shirley is a British businesswoman, technology pioneer and philanthropist. She founded a software company called Freelance Programmers, and transferred ownership of the company to her staff, making 70 women millionaires. Shirley has dedicated most of her life and wealth to advancing Autism research and STEM subjects. She co-founded the Oxford Internet Institute and was President of the British Computer Society. She was named by BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour as one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK.

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