Net Zero Hero: Building the workforce of tomorrow

7 March 2025

In the race to meet sustainability targets, it’s easy to focus on policies and bold promises. But who will deliver the transformation? Meet the Monash graduate who is advising companies and training the global climate workforce to lead the charge.

Businesses around the globe are pouring millions into sustainability strategies to meet ambitious Net Zero targets.

But Monash Business School alumnus Matthias Muehlbauer believes they are overlooking a critical element in the equation: people.
Without a skilled workforce to implement these solutions, even the boldest climate strategies will falter.

“We need to have boots on the ground to do the work - there’s a huge need to upskill and futureproof the workforce,” Mr Muehlbauer said.

As co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of OnePointFive, he is tackling the skills gap in sustainability and creating pathways for global professionals to lead the climate revolution.

‘It felt like I was on a different planet’

It was a moment of awe – and a wake-up call – that inspired Mr Muehlbauer on his path to climate action.

“When I was 18, I went scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. It felt like I was on a different planet – beautiful, meditative – you understand the wonder of the world,” he said.

Witnessing the devastating impact of climate change on the reef over time cemented his commitment to action.

“Since then, we’ve had seven bleaching events that have dramatically impacted warming waters and destroyed life,” he said.

Determined to make a difference, he turned his focus to the private sector.

“As an Australian, I would love for my descendants – my kids, their kids – to experience this fundamental benefit of living in this country - the same right to enjoy nature I had.”

Turning vision into action

Through OnePointFive, Mr Muehlbauer is tackling this challenge head-on.

His organisation advises companies on sustainability strategy, develops training programs and provides the tools businesses need to empower their teams and achieve meaningful climate action.

“Through the OnePointFive Academy, we’ve trained 900 people across more than 60 countries,” he said.

“More broadly, we’ve reached about 7,500 people since we’ve been in operation.”

The impact is being felt worldwide.

In the past 5 years, they’ve completed around 100 sustainability projects.

The organisation has partnered with major corporations like L’Oréal, helped global banks develop Net Zero strategies, and advised billionaires on how their philanthropic investments can have the most impact.

A little closer to home, they’re also providing technical support to Australian Direct Investment - a foreign investment arm of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - for the investment of its A$250 million climate and gender fund in the Asia-Pacific region.

“It feels like I’m doing something to move the needle, but also helping to empower a large number of people to go out and replicate what I’m doing,” he said.

Lessons in leadership and innovation

Mr Muehlbauer credits much of his approach to leadership and innovation to the lessons he learned at Monash Business School.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned is the importance of a global mindset,” he said.

“Monash lit a fire in me – it made operating on a worldwide scale feel within my grasp.”

Today, the winner of this year’s Emerging Talent Dean’s Award gives back by opening the doors of his Manhattan office to Monash students through the award-winning Global Discovery Program.

His advice to the current cohort of students is to make the most of everything Monash has to offer – from its world-class education to its global networks and industry connections.

“Remember that the doors Monash opens are global,” he said.

“The people I met at Monash have supported me, provided the knowledge I need, and the relationships I need to succeed in this space.”

Learn more about our annual Dean’s Alumni Awards