Joost Rigter

About Joost Rigter

Joost Rigter was born in Laren and after high school, he attended the Hotel School ‘Ter Duinen’ in Belgium to realize his ultimate dream of owning a restaurant. He then pursued a degree at the Haarlem Business School to perfect his entrepreneurial skills.

However, all his ambitious plans were disrupted when, at the age of 26, he was diagnosed with the progressive eye disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. This disease causes him to gradually lose his eyesight; now, after 15 years, Joost has minimal vision left.

But life has not become any less beautiful. He managed to give a positive twist to life with a disability. He did this by focusing on his talents, seeking positivity, and simply getting back to work. He has since started three companies, including the Chairmen at Work, a platform for blind and visually impaired masseurs. And that restaurant has also come to fruition, Bar Wisse in Amsterdam East, which he runs together with his partner.

Additionally, Joost now speaks both nationally and internationally, inspiring many people. Joost’s lectures cover themes such as dealing with change and adversity, acceptance, and perseverance. We like to have control over things. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, especially in a rapidly changing world with so many different influences around us. What happens when we lose control? When things don’t go as we are used to? As a true optimist, Joost makes it clear that you can find strength in every limitation or setback. He is the ultimate example of this.

During his lecture or workshop, Joost Rigter playfully invites his audience to take a glimpse into his life. By literally taking his audience into the dark, he allows them to experience what it is like to have no sight at all. He takes his audience out of their comfort zone, giving them the chance to connect differently, both with themselves and with others. By changing perspective, the circumstances within the company can also be approached differently, leading to growth!

How do courage, humor, acceptance, and self-confidence make obstacles seem much smaller than they appear? How do you find light in the dark? Joost Rigter literally works on this and takes his audience into his experiential world. During his lectures and workshops, fully in the darkness, Joost shows that nothing is impossible!