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Beyond the Bits: Conversations with Women in Tech

Beyond the Bits: Conversations with Women in Tech

Written by: Barkha Herman
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Break past the buzzwords — Beyond the Bits brings the real voices of women building the future of tech. I founded this podcast to amplify stories I wish I’d heard myself: unfiltered journeys, practical lessons, and the grit behind every breakthrough. Each episode spotlights a woman in tech — from founders to staff engineers — sharing tactics you can use today. Think negotiation scripts, portfolio pivots, leadership habits, and the systems they developed to navigate bias and build impact. It’s mentorship in your ears, designed to empower you to take bold, informed action. Whether you’re launching a career or leading a team, you’ll leave inspired, prepared, and connected to a community that’s rewriting the narrative. Subscribe, learn, and step forward with confidence — one conversation at a time. Hosted by Barkha Herman, Founder of WiTVoices. No fluff. No impostor syndrome bloatware. Just the efficient path from listener to speaker.

@2026 Barkha Herman Inc. Careers Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • Conversation with Lorraine Stoker

    Conversation with Lorraine Stoker
    Apr 7 2026

    Episode Overview

    In this episode of WiTVoices Beyond the Bits, host Barkha Herman sits down with Lorraine Stoker, a Lead Technical Program Manager at Microsoft's Windows + Devices division. Lorraine shares her remarkable journey from a middle-class upbringing in Bengaluru, India, to leading global manufacturing and test programs for some of the world's most recognizable tech products.



    About Lorraine Stoker

    Lorraine Stoker is a Lead Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, where she helps global teams design, develop, and deliver manufacturing and test solutions for Microsoft Surface products. With over a decade at Microsoft, Lorraine is known as an "empathy champion" — a leader who brings people together and turns complexity into clarity.



    What You'll Learn in This Episode

    • How Lorraine built her very first PC from scratch using a bank loan and books — and why that moment ignited her passion for tech
    • What it means to be the only woman in the room — and how to turn that into an advantage
    • Her four-part framework for women in tech: Believe, Learn, Network Early, and Lead with Empathy
    • Why comparison is the thief of joy — and how to beat your own benchmark instead
    • The power of giving back — and how Lorraine's mother inspired a lifelong tradition of generosity
    • How to handle workplace conflict and career changes with empathy and resilience



    Lorraine's Mantra

    "Embrace continuous learning and lead with empathy."



    Connect with Lorraine

    Lorraine is active on LinkedIn and welcomes connections from anyone seeking career advice, mentorship, or inspiration.

    🔗 Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-s-23b7907/



    Connect with the Podcast

    WiT Voice Runtime is hosted by Barkha Herman — technologist, developer advocate, podcaster, and mentor empowering women in technology.
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    20 mins
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