Speaker

Joost Rigter

Joost Rigter was told at age 26 that he would likely become completely blind. Within ten years, he was almost fully blind and now retains only 0.8 percent vision. During his lecture, he playfully invites the audience to take a glimpse into his life. By literally guiding them in the dark, he lets them experience what it’s like to truly have no sight. He connects this experience to a powerful message about trust, change, and perseverance. Joost Rigter is now available to book as a speaker through Het Sprekershuys!

Rate indication: Price on request
Available for booking as: Speaker
Languages: Dutch English

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Joost Rigter invites your audience to step out of their comfort zone. In doing so, he not only gives them a glimpse into his life but also shares inspiring insights on handling change, building connections, and fostering trust. He challenges the audience to reflect and encourages them to bring out the best in themselves, no matter the circumstances.

Background

After high school, Joost attended the Ter Duinen Hotel School in Belgium to pursue his dream of owning a restaurant. He then studied at Haarlem Business School to refine his entrepreneurial skills. His ambitious plans were disrupted at age 26 when he was diagnosed with the progressive eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa, which gradually reduced his vision. Fifteen years later, he now has minimal sight. Despite this, he has embraced life fully, focusing on his talents, maintaining positivity, and moving forward with purpose.

Entrepreneur

Joost has since launched three businesses, including The Chairmen at Work, a platform for blind and visually impaired masseurs. He also realized his restaurant dream with Bar Wisse in Amsterdam-Oost, which he runs with a business partner. In addition, he speaks both nationally and internationally, inspiring countless people.

Joost Rigter as a Speaker

As a speaker, Joost takes his audience out of their comfort zone, giving them the opportunity to connect differently—with themselves and with others. By shifting perspective, challenges in the workplace can also be approached in new ways. He shows that change doesn’t have to be an obstacle, providing practical tools to focus on possibilities. Joost blends his life experiences with enriching lessons that help professionals, companies, and teams grow.

Themes

Sessions

Joost Rigter’s lectures focus on themes such as dealing with change and setbacks, acceptance, and perseverance. We like to feel in control, but in a fast-changing world with so many influences around us, that’s not always possible. What happens when we lose control? When things don’t go as we expect? As a natural optimist, Joost shows that every limitation or setback can also be a source of strength, and he is the ultimate example of this.

During his lecture or workshop, Joost playfully invites the audience to take a glimpse into his life. By literally guiding them in the dark, he lets them experience what it’s like to have no sight. He takes the audience out of their comfort zone, giving them the opportunity to connect differently—with themselves and with others. By shifting perspective, challenges in the workplace can also be approached in new ways, fostering growth.

How do courage, humor, acceptance, and self-confidence make obstacles appear much smaller than they seem? How do you find light in the dark? Joost addresses these questions directly, immersing his audience in his world. In lectures and workshops conducted entirely in darkness, he demonstrates that nothing is impossible.