a systems thinker, process designer, and founder of a tutoring platform. I write to make sense of what I learn — about work, growth, and building things that matter.
My work combines systems thinking, operational design, and leadership experience across engineering, education, and entrepreneurship.
Designing efficient, scalable operations
Turning complexity into clear workflows
Building teams that deliver results
Starting and scaling ventures
Building from first principles
Sharing insights and learnings
I'm Matteo Farahani — a systems-minded generalist with a background in engineering, business, and self-directed learning.
I began my career in industrial sales after completing a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA. But very early on, I realized I wasn't just interested in selling — I was drawn to how organizations function behind the scenes: their systems, operations, and inner logic.
In 2016, I co-founded Ostadbank, an online private tutoring platform that connected thousands of students across Iran with qualified teachers. I led its operations and systems design — building low-cost, high-efficiency processes that enabled the company to scale sustainably, even with limited resources.
Later, I moved to the Netherlands under a startup visa to explore international expansion. The journey wasn't easy. Competing with well-funded global players taught me a lot about strategy, adaptability, and the real cost of under-structured growth.
Today, we continue to evolve — serving Iranian learners abroad while experimenting with new models.
We all replay moments in our minds—those times we wish we had said or done something differently. But what if these mental “what if” scenarios are silently draining our confidence and focus? In this piece, I explore a simple but powerful shift that turns overthinking into clarity and helps us uncover our true personal values.
→ Read MoreWriting is how I process complex ideas and make sense of the world around me. It's a tool for reflection, learning, and clarity.
When I write, I'm not just sharing information — I'm thinking through problems, exploring solutions, and building understanding. It's how I learn.
I believe that good writing comes from clear thinking, and clear thinking comes from wrestling with ideas until they make sense. That's what I try to do here.
I read every message and try to respond within a few days.