On January 3rd 1883 Computer is named "Machine of the Year"
January 3, 1983: Time Magazine named the computer its first-ever “Machine of the Year”, declaring that “none symbolized the past year more richly, or will be viewed by history as more significant, than a machine: the computer.”
While the computer was celebrated, the role of women in programming—pioneers of early computing—was already being diminished. The shift began years earlier, with societal narratives and marketing positioning computers as “toys for boys.” By 1984, the percentage of women earning computer science degrees peaked at 37%, but it marked the beginning of a sharp decline as the industry grew more male-dominated.
Micro-Soft
🚀 On January 1, 1975, the MITS Altair 8800 appeared on the cover of Popular Electronics, inspiring Paul Allen and Bill Gates to take action. By the very next day, January 2, they had written to MITS, offering a version of BASIC for the Altair 8800. This letter marked the first time they referred to themselves as “Microsoft” (then spelled “Micro-Soft”).
Women in ICT Across the EU
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Brussels along with 19 other women entrepreneurs, at the invitation of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus. During our visit, we explored EU initiatives, funding opportunities, and the various ways the EU supports gender equality, women in tech, and women entrepreneurs. While all the knowledge we gained was invaluable, I want to share some fascinating statistics I learned on this trip. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of ICT specialists in the EU increased by 59.3%—nearly six times the overall employment growth rate of 10.7%. However, in 2023, men still dominated the field, with 80.6% of ICT roles in the EU held by men, compared to just 19.4% held by women. Cyprus stands out as one of the leaders, with women making up 24% of ICT specialists in 2023—a significant increase from 16.4% in 2013.
Susan Barnes, NeXT and Apple's Revival
On December 20th, 1996 Apple purchased NeXT for $429 million bringing Steve Jobs, Apple's cofounder, as a consultant. That was the beginning of the 2nd coming of Apple. But that wouldn't have been possible if NeXT hadn't survived the ridiculous spending habits of Steve Jobs. And the person that ensured that NeXT didn't go bankrupt was none other than Susan Barnes. Susan Barnes, a co-founder and CFO of NeXT, played a critical role in the company’s development, providing financial leadership and strategic guidance during its formative years.
Welcoming Maria
I’m thrilled to announce that joining me as the permanent co-host of Breaking the 20% is none other than Maria Stylianou! Maria is a force to be reckoned with—a trailblazer in the tech world, a passionate advocate for women in STEM, and an all-around badass. With a background in software engineering and years of experience leading teams and projects that make a difference, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the table. She’s deeply committed to amplifying the voices of women in tech and challenging the norms that hold them back. Plus, she’s got the kind of wit and insight that guarantees every conversation will be as engaging as it is enlightening. Welcome to the podcast, Maria! Let’s break that 20% ceiling together.
Lillian Schwartz, pioneer artist and animator, passed away on October 12, 2024
Lillian Schwartz, a pioneering digital artist and animator, passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 97 in New York City. She was renowned for her groundbreaking work in computer-generated art and animation, especially during her time at AT&T’s Bell Labs in the late 1960s and 1970s. Schwartz created some of the earliest experimental computer-animated films, such as Pixillation and UFOs. Her work revolutionized the use of computers in art and earned her numerous accolades throughout her career.
Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day: A Legacy of Vision and Possibility
On this Ada Lovelace Day, we honor not only the world’s first computer programmer but also a woman who imagined the impossible. Her pioneering work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine made her the world’s first computer programmer, long before the modern computer existed. But she was so much more than just a mathematician. She foresaw a future where machines could do more than calculate — they could even create music. Her story is a reminder that the future of tech can and must also belong to women.
Remembering Steve Jobs: A Legacy of Innovation and Controversy
As we mark the anniversary of Steve Jobs’ passing, on October 5th 2011, it’s essential to reflect not just on his monumental contributions to technology but also on his often challenging interpersonal relationships. Our episode “Self-Made Billionaires” explores his complicated rivalry with Bill Gates. Additionally, in “The Mother of All Demos,” I visited Historicon to tell how Jobs drew inspiration for the GUI from Xerox PARC, further showcasing the blend of innovation and ethical complexity that defined his career.
On October 2nd, 1955 ENIAC was retired
The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), one of the first general-purpose electronic digital computers, was officially retired on October 2nd, 1955, after nearly a decade of service since its completion in 1945. By then, its creators, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, had left to start their own company, and the women who programmed it had moved on to other projects. Nevertheless, ENIAC paved the way for modern computing, leaving an enduring legacy in the field.
Excel turns 39 today!
Excel turns 39 today, which means it’s old enough to have a midlife crisis… but still young enough to crash at the worst possible time!
Did you know that Microsoft released the first version of Microsoft Excel on the Apple Macintosh, on September 30th, 1985? If you want to learn more about the love/hate relationship of the early days of Microsoft and Apple and the dynamics of the Steve Jobs / Bill Gates relationship over the years check out Episode 25 of Season 2.