The Parentpreneur Journey: Balancing Family and Business

Julia Bandov is a passionate founder, communications, and community-building expert with over a decade of transformative experience at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. As a purpose-driven founder and ecosystem builder, she specializes in crafting narratives and growing communities that drive meaningful change and create inclusive opportunities in the tech landscape. As the founder of MumsFounding, Julia focuses on empowering women and bridging critical gender gaps through community-driven initiatives. A seasoned operator, she has developed deep expertise and led strategic initiatives across high-impact verticals, including Fintech, Banking, SaaS, Health Care, and Venture Capital, consistently delivering transformative growth and sustainable ecosystem solutions.

Anika Schmidt is a seasoned HR and organizational development expert with over 15 years of experience across various industries and leadership roles. With a background in Work and Organizational Psychology, she specializes in New Work, organizational development, and diversity, helping businesses navigate change and create future-proof work environments. In 2023, Anika co-founded FreeMOM alongside Lena Pieper, launching the first full-service recruiting platform for family-friendly freelancing. She is passionate about redefining career paths through flexible work models that empower professionals with caregiving responsibilities while unlocking untapped talent for the labor market. Her vision for the future of work gained recognition on the startup show Die Höhle der Löwen, where she and her co-founder secured Tijen Onaran as an investor.

Bastian Lopez is an experienced entrepreneur, manager, and sales leader with a strong passion for Future of Work, leveraging freelancers to build high-performing tech teams, and balancing family and career. Having grown up in five different countries, Bastian has always been exposed to change and thrives in dynamic environments. With over 10 years of experience in sales and management roles, he has helped businesses scale efficiently while ensuring teams remain agile and adaptable. As a father of two, Bastian understands the challenges of entrepreneurial parenting firsthand. At the FreelanceUnlocked Conference, he will share insights on how entrepreneurs can successfully integrate their professional and family lives without compromising on either. His approach combines strategic business thinking with real-world experience, making his insights both practical and actionable.

Kenan Aggül is an experienced leader and HR & IT expert with over 15 years in the field. As the co-founder of kepa Voices, he focuses on shaping the personal brands of tomorrow, helping professionals build their unique presence in today’s digital world. Balancing career and family is central to his approach, and as a father, he values quality time, leading by example, and inspiring others to achieve their goals. From his journey as a Hauptschule student to becoming a leader, Kenan has gained valuable insights that he shares to motivate and empower others. His expertise spans leadership development, IT, work-life balance, and personal branding, making him a sought-after speaker passionate about fostering meaningful connections and inspiring success stories.