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Let It Go

My Extraordinary Story - from Refugee to Entrepreneur to Philanthropist

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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Let It Go by Dame Stephanie Shirley, read by Rachel Atkins.

A moving memoir from a woman who made a fortune in a man's world and then gave it all away...soon to be turned into a film

In 1962, Stephanie 'Steve' Shirley created a software company when the concept of software barely existed. Freelance Programmers employed women to work on complex projects such as Concorde's black box recorder from the comfort of their own homes.

Shirley empowered a generation of women in technology, giving them unheard of freedom to choose their own hours and manage their own workloads. The business thrived, and Shirley gradually transferred ownership to her staff, creating 70 millionaires in the process.

Let It Go explores Shirley's trailblazing career as an entrepreneur, but it also charts her incredible personal story - her dramatic arrival in England as an unaccompanied Kindertransport refugee during World War Two and the tragic loss of her only child, who suffered severely from autism.

Today, Dame Stephanie Shirley is one of Britain's leading philanthropists, devoting most of her time, energy and wealth to charities that are close to her heart. In Let It Go, Shirley tells her inspirational story and explains why giving her wealth away - letting it go - has brought her infinitely more happiness and fulfilment than acquiring it in the first place.

©2019 Dame Stephanie Shirley (P)2019 Penguin Audio 20th Century Business Business Development & Entrepreneurship Career Success Entrepreneurship Leadership Management & Leadership Military Modern Personal Development Personal Success Philanthropy & Charity Professionals & Academics Programming & Software Development Science & Technology Social Sciences Software Development Technology Software Heartfelt Inspiring Management

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Critic reviews

"An extraordinary tale of creativity and resilience." (Guardian)

"This engrossing story of an extraordinary life is filled with lessons in what it means to be human." (Financial Times)

Most relevant
It is incredibly to imagine so much squeezed into one lifetime.

Outstanding narration and storytelling.

Authentic and inspirational

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Incredible story. I hadn’t heard of Stephanie before, I don’t know how I hadn’t. I think her Ted talk was referenced by our ceo and I was intrigued. A real entrepreneur and philanthropist. She has filled her life with positive work and support for others. An inspiration.

Some woman for one woman

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Dame Stephanie Shirley's life story is very inspiring. This book is a must listen if you are struggling with this life question: how can I live a life that has positive impact on others now and in the future?

An inspiring book and personal life story

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Beautifully read and written I enjoyed every sentence. This book has it all. It makes you think. Teaches you valuable lessons. Breaks your heart. And inspires entrepreneurialism and philanthropy from a woman who has fought her whole life for success and then given that success back to life in ways many of us might only ever dream of. As a result of reading this book, the author is now a heroine of mine.

The inspiring story of an inspirational woman.

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Loved this so much! Such an incredible book from such a wonderful woman. So inspirational.

I had never even heard of Dame Stephanie Shirley two weeks ago but came across her as a guest on a podcast. After listening to the podcast, I suspected I might enjoy her book but I had no idea how much I warm to her and her story. Absolutely amazing. I was sorry to finish the book but will 'Let it go' and carry the inspiration I gained from it into my everyday life, giving what I can when I can.

Didn't want this one to end....

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A heartfelt and engaging book, well written and well read. Would recommend for anyone interested in understanding more about the origins of software programming, learning more about autism, or indeed, philanthropy.

Fantastic book

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I learned so much from this book. I really enjoyed the style in which it was written and the format in the early part of the book of alternating chapters relating to family life with those describing Dame Stephanie Shirley's career. It was an incredibly honest autobiography and the message of "letting go" is one that really resonated with me. This is a book about business, personal development, motherhood, marriage, love and trust and I have already recommended it to many others.

Moving and enlightening.

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I enjoyed listening right through to the end, no part was boring, super life story.
The narrator was excellent, clear, concise and with feeling

Excellent story and beautifully read

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I came across this book after listening to a podcast featuring the author. She really hooked me with the overall story of her amazing journey so I bought the book

A truly amazing story, although I did get lost in some of the business details and the finite details of deals.

As many questions raised as were answered but truly an inspiring lady

A rollercoaster of emotions

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Fundamental listening and moral/ ethical compass. Phenomenal story
Honest articulation and reflection on experience and learnings.

Should be on national curriculum

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