Influences on Success and Challenges

The speaker shares her journey from being a child refugee to founding a successful software company in the 1960s, overcoming gender barriers, and pioneering flexible work methods. She discusses her philanthropic work, particularly in autism advocacy, and reflects on the lessons learned throughout her life.

What event in the speaker's childhood significantly influenced her life?

• Winning a scholarship

• Attending a prestigious school

• Participating in the Kindertransport

• Moving to America

What was a major challenge the speaker faced when starting her software company?

• No market for software

• Gender biases in the industry

• Competition from large companies

• Lack of funding

How did the speaker's company, Freelance Programmers, initially disguise the nature of its workforce?

• By using a different company name

• By offering fixed prices

• By hiring only men

• By outsourcing work

What was the speaker's approach to creating opportunities for women in her company?

• Offering higher salaries

• Focusing on international markets

• Providing flexible work arrangements

• Hiring only single women

What personal challenge did the speaker face with her son Giles?

• He was uninterested in technology

• He had a learning disability

• He was profoundly autistic

• He moved abroad

What was one of the speaker's philanthropic focuses?

• Environmental conservation

• Autism services

• Education for girls

• Healthcare for the elderly

What did the speaker establish to address gaps in autism services?

• A private clinic

• A new software company

• A charity and a school

• A government program

What does the speaker believe is essential for success?

• Luck and timing

• Hard work and determination

• Connections and networking

• Advanced education

What lesson did the speaker learn about the nature of tomorrow?

• It is always like today

• It is always like yesterday

• It is never like today

• It is predictable

What does the speaker emphasize about work?

• It is a necessary evil

• It should be done with humility

• It should be avoided

• It is only for financial gain