Shayegan Abdollahbeigi: From School Challenges to Engineering & Entrepreneurship

Shayegan Abdollahbeigi: From School Challenges to Engineering & Entrepreneurship What do you do when life throws a curveball right before your final exams? For Shayegan Abdollahbeigi, it was a severe illness in Year 12 that almost kept him from sitting his exams. With the encouragement of a teacher, he pushed through and discovered a principle that still guides him today: discipline equals freedom. Growing up in Iran before moving to Australia gave Shayegan a unique lens on school. Far from being a place of limits, he saw school as a space for exploration academically, socially, and personally. Since then, his journey has been one of breadth and curiosity: studying engineering at Monash University, launching a watchmaking company, interning in motorsport, and continuing to build new pathways as an engineer and entrepreneur. In this conversation, Shayegan reflects on the mentors who believed in him, the values instilled by his immigrant parents, and how Zoroastrian philosophy—good thoughts, good words, good deeds—has shaped his evolving view of success. This episode is for parents and students who feel pressure to get it “right” the first time. Shayaegan’s story is a reminder that being wrong, exploring widely, and building systems for growth are some of the most powerful lessons school can give. You’ll discover: • Why “discipline = freedom” became Shayaegan’s guiding principle. • How exploration and breadth fuel long-term growth and opportunity. • Why collaboration and character matter more than certainty or legacy. • Practical advice for parents to foster curiosity, allow mistakes, and teach values that last. Because true success isn’t about a score, it’s about systems, values, and the person you become along the way. Know someone else with a story that should be shared? Get in contact with us at morethanascorepod@gmail.com!