How Christian Rebernik Of Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice
An Interview With Monica Sanders
Be Patient and Persistent: Change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires sustained effort and patience. The journey to making Tomorrow University a hub for sustainability education was filled with challenges, but perseverance has been key to our success.
According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Christian Rebernik.
Christian is Co-Founder & CEO of Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences. Christian boasts over 20 years of experience in technology and entrepreneurship: he founded Vivy, a personal health assistant serving 37 health insurance companies and 20 million people. He also helped to build N26, a unicorn Bank as MD, was CTO at Parship, created award winning apps like ShareTheMeal for the UN World Food Programme and played a role in Awin’s transformation into a global affiliate network. Additionally, Christian is an Advisor to the GreenTech Alliance, and a member of the board of advisors to Sprk Global and Tomorrow Bank. Christian studied business and information science.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in Vienna, Austria, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. My father worked from a young age, my parents were very supportive of my curiosity, giving me a lot of freedom to explore. This included playing in the mud, building things or playing with technical devices. Together with friends I loved to scout for new places and adventures. From early on I had the chance to play with computers. Yet playing also meant to disassemble them — sometimes to the shock of my parents. I was curious how things work and sometimes also managed to put them together again. 🙂
Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?
I have three kids, and their future is really important to me. During the pandemic, my son was in home school. He was sitting on the other side of the dinner table listening to a class about Berlin history. It was a really important session. Yet, the teacher was just talking for 60 minutes. I saw my son getting more tired by the minute. Eventually, he fell asleep.
I was shocked. Because when I was in school more than 30 years ago, I was bored too. I remember sessions in university, where I was pretty much falling asleep. Only then to be stressed out trying to learn everything in a short period of time before an exam. Given I didn’t remember much afterwards — what a waste of time!
I realized much has stayed the same since my time.
Yet, the reality is that our world is changing faster than ever. Climate is changing, technology is dramatically advancing, biodiversity is disappearing, fake news spreads in seconds around the globe. And we still apply the same education.
So, this was the moment I decided I was curious to understand why this was and what could be done about it.
You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?
At Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences, we aim to change the world for the better. We do this by focusing on skills that matter for the future: sustainability, entrepreneurship and technology. Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders and change-makers to create a better future. We do this through fully remote, flexible programs that are curated by industry experts and designed to fit into the busy lives of our students. We are committed to making education accessible and impactful, helping our students develop the competencies needed to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Tomorrow is a global community for impact. Because while one person cannot change the world, together we can.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
There are so many stories. Every student, for me, makes a big impact. One of my highlights is the graduation ceremony, where, for many students, their lives start to change. Some have already started to work on new projects before or started a company. Some take more responsibility in their companies. And it’s stories like Isabel’s that stand out to me. She joined Tomorrow University while working in a job where she felt stuck and unable to contribute or make a meaningful impact. While studying, she explored different directions and substantially advanced her skills to eventually found a company herself, where she built a climate tech startup for the shipping industry.
Global merchant shipping contributes more to global Co2 emissions (around 3% of global GHG emissions annually) than Germany — change is urgently needed. While alternative fuels and new hardwares are being developed for tomorrow, digital technology that can drive efficiency and optimisation will make the difference today. With her company they are combining an innovative new business model with technological cunning to generate enormous value to the sector while reducing fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
Having a family with three kids is a huge responsibility. Decisions you make affect not only yourself but, in this case, four other people. Career decisions are, therefore, very important as they have a substantial effect on everyone’s future.
So, when I was stepping out of a career to start a new company, I discussed this situation with my wife. For me, it was important to build something truly meaningful, but it also meant risk. Risk of not being successful, not earning a salary for a period of time, putting our own money into starting the company.
And it was her, who said that: “The real risk is being stuck in a job you don’t like and don’t find impactful.” It was her, who supported me to pursue my path as an entrepreneur. And she didn’t just say so once, but supported me throughout the whole journey. She is the coach, who helps me to overcome the challenges, ensure to look out for myself and focus on the relevant things in life.
Thank you for that. Let’s now move to the central part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?
Climate justice, to me, means addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized and vulnerable communities. It involves ensuring that these communities have a voice in climate policy decisions and access to the resources needed to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. Operationalizing climate justice requires a multi-faceted approach that includes inclusive policymaking, equitable distribution of resources, and targeted support for those most affected by climate change.
Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What are three things you or your organization are doing to help?
- Curriculum Development: We are continuously updating our curriculum to include the latest in sustainability science and practices, ensuring our students are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge to tackle climate issues.
- Partnerships: We collaborate with organizations and experts in sustainability to provide our students with real-world learning opportunities and to drive forward impactful projects.
- Community Engagement: We encourage and support our students to implement sustainability initiatives in their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?
- Support Education Initiatives: Communities and politicians can advocate for and support funding for educational programs focused on sustainability and technology.
- Policy Changes: Implement policies that promote sustainable practices and provide incentives for businesses and individuals to adopt green technologies.
- Public Awareness: Increase public awareness about the importance of sustainability and climate justice, encouraging more people to get involved in creating solutions.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
A business can become more profitable by integrating sustainability into its core strategy. Sustainable practices often lead to cost savings through increased efficiency, reduced waste, and lower energy consumption. For example, at Tomorrow University, our commitment to remote learning not only reduces our carbon footprint but also lowers operational costs, allowing us to invest more in our students and programs. Additionally, consumers are increasingly valuing sustainability, which can enhance a company’s brand reputation and customer loyalty.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why?
- Start Small, Think Big: Small changes can lead to significant impacts over time. When we first integrated sustainability into our curriculum, we started with a few modules. Now, it’s a core part of our programs.
- Engage the Community: Involving the community in sustainability projects can enhance their impact and acceptance. Our students’ community projects often gain more traction when local residents are actively involved.
- Measure Impact: It’s crucial to measure and track the impact of your sustainability efforts. This helps in refining strategies and demonstrating progress. Our internal metrics help us continually improve our sustainability initiatives.
- Collaborate Broadly: Partnering with other organizations can amplify your efforts. Our collaborations with industry experts have brought valuable insights and resources to our programs.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires sustained effort and patience. The journey to making Tomorrow University a hub for sustainability education was filled with challenges, but perseverance has been key to our success.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 😊
I would love to have a private lunch with Bill Gates. His work in philanthropy, particularly in global health and sustainable development, is incredibly inspiring. His insights on leveraging technology for societal good would be invaluable for our mission at Tomorrow University.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
Readers can follow our work through our official website (https://tomorrow.university), social media channels, and our blog where we regularly post updates, articles, and insights about our programs and initiatives. Additionally, they can connect with us on LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest developments and opportunities at Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org
How Christian Rebernik Of Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences Is Helping to Promote… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.