How Ally Watson is pioneering tech careers for women

Navigating the unpredictable waves of the 2020 pandemic, Ally Watson, CEO and Founder of Code Like a Girl, led her organisation through a transformative journey.

In a candid conversation with George Hedon, Founder of Pause Fest & Awards, Ally Watson, reflects on the change her organisation has taken since its inception.

As a proud Pause Awards alumna, Watson’s commitment to creating meaningful change within the tech industry has only strengthened over the years. What began as a service-oriented initiative evolved into a mission-driven edTech and HRTech enterprise with a clear goal: to empower women and gender-diverse individuals aged 18 and above through tailored tech reskilling solutions.

“We saw a unique opportunity to address systemic barriers in traditional education that made tech careers inaccessible for many women,” Watson explains. With a strategic pivot, Code Like a Girl has not only reshaped its focus but also redefined how women connect with and thrive in the tech industry.

Redefining Focus for Lasting Impact

Initially catering to younger demographics, the Melbourne-based social enterprise made a decisive pivot to concentrate on women aged 18 and above. “Our research revealed a surge in interest among women over 25 eager to reskill for tech roles,” Watson states. However, these women faced formidable challenges, from the rigidity of weekday schedules and high education costs to navigating male-dominated learning environments. Recognising these obstacles, Code Like a Girl began designing solutions that met these women where they were, offering flexible, inclusive, and affordable training programs. This shift marked the start of a bold new chapter—one that would improve lives and catalyse change on a national scale.

From Services to Scalable Solutions

In a significant strategic overhaul, Code Like a Girl transitioned from offering services to building proprietary edTech and HRTech products. The decision has already shown promising results, with the organisation expanding its reach and laying the groundwork for potential international growth. Watson emphasises the importance of scalability in this shift: “We knew that relying solely on service-based initiatives would limit our impact. By developing our own technology solutions, we could create a sustainable model capable of effecting change at scale.”

The impact of these innovations is already evident, with Code Like a Girl celebrating the placement of its 170th woman into a paid tech internship. “Each placement is a testament to what can be achieved when women are empowered with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need,” Watson shares. “It’s about much more than numbers; it’s about changing lives.”

A Journey Marked by Milestones and Self-Reflection

Among the many milestones along the way, one moment stands out for Watson on a personal level: receiving the Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for her services to the tech industry. “To be honest, I grappled with imposter syndrome when I received the medal,” she confesses. “But ultimately, it underscored the years of hard work and the collective impact of Code Like a Girl’s mission.”

Reflecting on the past decade, Watson acknowledges that every decision—whether it led to success or failure—has shaped her leadership journey. “I started this venture at 27 with no experience managing a team,” she recalls. “It’s been a rollercoaster of learning curves. While there are things I might do differently, every step has been a building block.”

Strategic Decisions for Sustainable Change

To achieve large-scale, sustainable impact, Code Like a Girl has sharpened its focus on long-term, high-impact initiatives, often at the cost of forgoing one-off workshops and events. This shift is rooted in a startup-like culture that Watson describes as “nimble, purposeful, and guided by a relentless pursuit of meaningful change.” Every opportunity is evaluated against the organisation’s overarching vision to maximise impact and sustainability. “We are committed to saying ‘yes’ only to initiatives that align with our long-term objectives and deliver real, lasting benefits,” Watson asserts.

An Inspiring Award and the Road Ahead

Watson’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in her passion for the Pause Awards. “It’s truly my favourite award on the shelf,” she enthuses. “Its creativity and vibrancy remind me of the incredible journey we’ve undertaken.” The award not only symbolises recognition of Code Like a Girl’s accomplishments but also serves as a constant source of inspiration to push boundaries. “Pause’s dedication to excellence resonates deeply with me,” Watson adds. “It’s a reminder that quality and creativity must remain at the heart of everything we do.”

As Code Like a Girl continues to expand its edTech and HRTech offerings, Watson’s focus remains resolute: bridging the gender gap in technology and creating a more inclusive future. With every strategic shift, every partnership, and every woman placed into a tech role, the organisation moves one step closer to a world where gender is no longer a barrier to success in technology.

Ally Watson’s journey from software developer to transformative leader exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a vision for positive change. Through Code Like a Girl, she and her team are redefining what it means to empower women in tech, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond Australia’s borders.

As Watson reflects on past achievements and looks ahead to future opportunities, her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, innovation, and impact remains a driving force for change.