Elite Entrepreneurship: A Portrait of an Award-Winning Economics Teacher

This is part of a series of articles about the work and people behind one of Sweden’s best high schools for entrepreneurship.   

Affärsgymnasiet has a long list of national and international achievements when it comes to young entrepreneurship. With over 200 UF-related awards, national and European championship gold medals, and recognition as one of Europe’s top entrepreneurial schools, the school truly stands out.

During this year’s national championships, the school had 9 nominated companies and won 5 medals in all categories.

Present to support the students was economics teacher Göte Brunasso from Affärsgymnasiet Örebro. He is far from a newcomer in UF circles. Over the years, he has been named Örebro County’s best “UF teacher,” among other accolades. We had the opportunity to speak with him about the competitions, the importance of UF, and why he is so passionate about teaching entrepreneurship.

“Coming to work is always associated with joy.”

Göte has a background as a decathlete at an elite level (ranked in the top 3 in Sweden at his best). He has always enjoyed being active and realized early on that he wouldn’t tolerate a monotonous job.

Teaching felt like the right path. Göte started as a physical education teacher and then continued his education to add economics to his qualifications. He has been an economics teacher for 13 years and has been employed at Affärsgymnasiet since 2014. He couldn’t be at a better place.

– The students are fantastic, my colleagues are always supportive, and the management works for our benefit. Coming to work and entering the classroom every day is associated with joy, he says.

Over the years, he has developed a clear understanding of which students Affärsgymnasiet is suited for. It is aimed at students who want the school to be a place they actually look forward to attending.

There are two sides to the coin. They need to feel comfortable and thrive, but they also need to be able to perform.

– We set quite high expectations, but there is warmth as well. It’s equally important that it feels good to come here, he says, and continues:

– We offer a very high level of instruction and are the obvious choice for those who want to become entrepreneurs.

The focus on entrepreneurship is what gives Göte an extra spring in his step. It makes him put even more soul and heart into his work with the students.

When the topic comes up, something lights up in his eyes, and his smile widens.

– There is no course in high school where students learn as much about adult life, themselves, and what it’s like to work in a team over an extended period, he says.

Greater individuals and better citizens

Since the school integrates entrepreneurship as a continuous thread from the first to the last year – culminating in real fairs and competitions – Göte and his colleagues have the privilege of following the students’ development throughout the entire journey.

Even though the national championships are just a small part of the process, the gratitude is particularly great when he stands on the exhibition floor and looks out over the booths.

– It’s such a clear validation. Over the year, around 800 students out of approximately 40,000 have been selected. The level is incredibly high. It’s fantastic that so many of our students have made it here, he says.

Göte doesn’t talk about the achievements, awards, and podium finishes. Of course, all of that is very impressive, but what’s truly remarkable is the personal development the students undergo.

Many students learn a great deal in terms of knowledge, which is very rewarding. It opens doors and helps them reach their goals. But beyond that, there is another journey that takes place over the years. They come to school somewhat unsure and unaware of the world around them. By the final year, they understand what it’s all about.

From barely daring to speak with classmates to calling complete strangers, selling their product to someone they’ve never met, or presenting their business idea to large audiences.

– The personal journey is the most amazing part. That they leave us not only with new knowledge but also as greater individuals and better citizens.

To best support students both in and out of the classroom, Göte embraces two philosophies:

1. “Everyone is different”

2. “Joy is contagious.”

He acknowledges that we are all different and therefore learn in various ways. He allows students to read, listen, watch, and discuss so that they can absorb knowledge from multiple angles.

Since he finds the content enjoyable himself, he has no trouble contributing positive energy.

– I try to come in with a smile. I believe it’s contagious and shows the students that the subjects are actually enjoyable.