Athan Didaskalou: From School to Startup and Redefining Success

What if the path you’re meant to take only becomes clear once you stop chasing the “right” one? In this episode of More Than a Score, we sit down with Athan Didaskalou, founder of July, one of Australia’s most recognisable lifestyle brands, to explore how curiosity, courage, and lived experience can matter more than perfect results or linear pathways. Athan shares honestly about his relationship with school, the uncertainty he felt early on, and the moments that helped him realise that success isn’t about following a script...it’s about backing yourself, learning fast, and staying open to opportunity. This conversation is a powerful reminder for parents and young people that: • There is no single “right” pathway after school • Confidence often comes after action, not before • Skills can be built through experience, not just qualifications • Entrepreneurship and leadership are learned over time • One result never defines future potential In this episode, you’ll hear about: • How Athan navigated uncertainty after school • Why curiosity and experimentation matter more than early certainty • The risks and realities of starting something from scratch • What parents can do to support exploration without pressure • Why success looks different at different stages of life Whether you’re a parent supporting a young person through big decisions, a student unsure of what comes next, or someone rethinking their own direction, this episode offers perspective, reassurance, and practical insight. Because school is only one chapter and success is built over time.