Maximilian Oker-Blom

Sweden
PLE III 2019

“One of the best things about YYGS was to discuss world events that you thought you had a pretty clear view on with someone from the other side of the planet and learn an entirely new perspective.”

I decided to start a small business. I contacted my younger cousin who lives in the Swedish countryside with an idea to sell Christmas trees with home delivery. We have now secured a local supplier and are currently in the progress of gathering orders. 

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about the seminar held by Peter Schott about how firms and workers respond to globalization. As I’ve been speaking to my supplier I’ve understood how incredibly international and competitive even the Christmas tree trade is. Our supplier sells Christmas trees to Shanghai many months in advance. And because of the tough worldwide rivalry he has been forced to cut prices so much that last year his business wan’t even profitable. It’s been a fantastic experience being able to put what I’ve leant to the test and seeing what we learnt first hand.

Ambassador Year: 
2019