Carmen Hentschel
Carmen Hentschel is one of the leading moderators for digitalization, AI, and future topics in the DACH region. With experience from over 2,000 appearances, she brings complex content to life, connects people, and ensures clear structure— in German or English. At GRAFE Future Days, she guides the program with energy, empathy, and interaction, creating space for inspiring dialogue between experts and the audience.
Company: Future Shapers
Position: Executive Director
Christoph Burkhardt
Christoph Burkhardt, Silicon Valley entrepreneur and futurist, excels as a keynote speaker, blending innovation with a rich German heritage. His expertise spans AI, digital transformation, and mentoring over 300 startups. Dive into the future with insights from a visionary reshaping industries worldwide.
Frank Eilers
Frank Eilers is a keynote speaker and former podcaster. He has been working on the transformation of work, the economy, and society for over 10 years. In 2014, he launched his podcast Arbeitsphilosophen – Die Zukunft der Arbeit (Work Philosophers – The Future of Work), which formed the basis for many other podcast formats. Born in East Frisia, he now lives with his family in Berlin.
Cornelius Schmitt
Cornelius Schmitt began building 3D printers for shoe designers in his student dormitory in Germany. Luxury fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and Moncler took notice and used his technology to print their shoes. In 2016, he founded Zellerfeld Shoe with the goal of giving anyone with a laptop the opportunity to submit shoe designs. Zellerfeld can then print the shoes from recycled materials.
Dr. Maximilian Lehenmeier
Dr. Maximilian Lehenmeier is a PhD chemist (TU Munich) with extensive experience in product development, sustainability, and research in the field of plastics and biopolymers. After completing his doctorate, he worked as a laboratory team leader for biopolymers, where he was responsible for the development and production of biodegradable and bio-based packaging. He then took on roles at BASF in product development for Ultradur® and in product management for sustainability. His main areas of expertise include product carbon footprint (PCF) evaluation and reduction, implementation of circularity concepts for engineering plastics, development of new product portfolios, and compliance with European regulations.
Prof. Hans-Dieter Hermann
Prof. Hans-Dieter Hermann has been working as a sports psychologist in high-performance sports and as a coach for top executives in business for over 30 years. He became known to a wider public primarily through his many years as sports psychologist for the German national soccer team. The award winner of the German Psychological Society is also a sought-after speaker. He shares his experiences of success and failure and provides inspiration for new ways of thinking.