“You make sense of your career retrospectively.” For Joseph Owolabi, sustainability wasn’t a planned destination—it was a journey shaped by curiosity and purpose.
Joseph, born in Nigeria and now an Australian citizen, has over 20 years of experience across Big Four firms globally and also served as a former Global Director at ACCA. Today, he’s dedicated to sustainability and sustainable finance, helping organizations rethink business models for a more responsible future.
Insights from Joseph Owolabi | Complete interview
Why Sustainability Matters Now
“There’s just not enough people looking at this area,” Joseph shares. “Everyone is searching for skilled professionals—and can’t find them.”
From Europe to the U.S., sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. Companies are aligning with new regulations and rising stakeholder expectations. Joseph believes MBA graduates are perfectly positioned for this field. “They understand strategy, marketing, finance. All these tools are critical for sustainability.”
The Skills Gap
Joseph highlights a gap between where the finance and accounting professions are—and where they need to be. Despite progress, he says, “we’re still miles off.”
The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is pushing companies forward, but many lack robust systems and skilled talent to deliver meaningful reports.
Economic Uncertainty and Regulation
Is sustainability momentum tied to economic health? Joseph agrees: “When there’s a financial crisis, people pull back. But in times of abundance, regulations tighten.”
Despite economic fluctuations, the sustainability field remains full of opportunity. “Whichever way, it’s a huge market,” Joseph concludes.
For professionals willing to upskill, sustainability could be the career move of a lifetime.
Final thoughts and advice from Joseph
