Who is
Joyce is a speaker, author, and senior speaker coach, with years of experience guiding professionals on and off the stage. She speaks about change mindset, diversity inclusion, agile leadership, or care power. Read more about her unique story here.
“You are not going to be of value.” Can you imagine? That an ophthalmologist said this to Joyce? She was only 17 years old, and the questions that initially occupied her were: “What do I want for my future, which study do I want to pursue?” But this changed in an instant.
Over a year earlier, Joyce was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a disease that causes her to slowly become deaf and blind. Joyce wanted to study visual marketing. According to the doctor, she could forget about that study: “The name alone.”
At that moment, she had a choice: sink into a victim role or look at the possibilities and make the most of them. And that turned out to be surprisingly more than you could ever imagine.
Joyce does not see Usher syndrome solely as a limitation because it has also given her unique talents. And she applies these talents in her work. She has worked in sales, HR, event organization, incentive, and change management.
Today, Joyce is an inspiring female speaker and author, all from her own company. She combines her knowledge, vision, and life story in custom keynotes and inspiration sessions. Additionally, she is a trainer and coach at the Speakers Club, where she guides professional speakers and executives to their next level in speaking. She is also a proud ambassador of the Usher Syndrome Foundation.
And oh yes, she graduated with flying colors from that Visual Marketing study.
Joyce is an authority on agility and resilience in times of change. As an inspiring female speaker, she is frequently praised for these themes. During her inspirationals, keynotes, and webinars, she shares her beautiful life story and personal insights combined with the psychology of change.
In a surprising way and with a touch of humor, she weekly holds up the same mirror to hundreds of (care) professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and their employees: fall back or move forward?
I don’t need to see to have a vision,
I don’t need to hear to be heard.Joyce de Ruiter
Dare to look beyond the familiar and discover that change is possible. Curiosity is the key.
Tunnel vision limits your view, you only see what you already know. Unlike tunnel vision, this means sharp and focused observation. Perhaps from my perspective you’ll see much more. Discover how seeing differently can also mean being different.
Joyce de Ruiter talks about what truly moves people: within themselves, in organizations, and in healthcare. Drawing from her personal story, in which she gradually loses her sight and hearing, she knows like no other how to keep moving in a world full of change.
“Not hearing Not seeing Not silent” is a beautiful autobiographical story about life’s urgency, the quest to deal with the continuous change process, and the growing conviction that Joyce has something to tell the world, not only as an inspirational speaker but also as a person. Because the fact that she will soon no longer be able to hear or see does not mean she will also remain silent.
She also co-authored the book “The Lame Leads the Blind” with fellow speaker Niek van den Adel. Both were suddenly overwhelmed by an event that turned their world upside down. And then the coronavirus came… But that doesn’t mean they sat back and did nothing. This book is a hilarious morale booster for everyone in a time of crisis.
In addition to being an author and inspirational speaker, Joyce also provides additional workshop sessions that can be tailored to your wishes or needs. A tangible starting point for developing everyone’s individual vision of their own role and also a reminder for its realization. This can be developed tailored for both professionals and leaders.
Her keynotes can be expanded with an experience or inspiration sessions ranging from 10 minutes to 3 hours. Let the audience literally stand in Joyce’s shoes with a sensory-stimulating blindfolded dinner or obstacle course. Joyce is happy to think along with the implementation of this. But this can also be an interactive talk show or leadership session with a video assignment. Or how about musical intermezzos called ‘Sound of Silence’ by singer Hiske Bongaarts and guitarist Kas Lambers. Impact, experience, and goosebumps guaranteed!
If you want to book Joyce as an inspirational speaker or email her for other questions, you will most likely receive a response from Viola Reijenga. Joyce sometimes calls her her service dog; she is, as a p.a. (personal assistant), her left and right hand, both for all bookings and on location during events. And… with a bit of luck, Viola also has chocolate with her for the road.
But with this description, you would be doing her a disservice. Viola is also a certified TMA Professional and Coach. She offers career and life coaching programs and organizes TMA team sessions that focus on team collaboration. No fluffy talk, but hands-on and full of practical insights. So if you’re looking for a nice follow-up to Joyce’s keynotes, be sure to check out her website.
In addition to being an inspirational speaker and author, Joyce is also a trainer and coach at the Speakers Club. The Speakers Club consists of a team of specialists who help you give your story/idea the stage it deserves. You not only learn from people who know a lot ABOUT speaking, but also from the best SPEAKERS how to take your performance to the next level. Whether you are (or want to be) a professional speaker or have an inspiring leadership role. We do this by paying the greatest attention to the smallest detail in terms of content, design, and delivery.
Let’s create impact!
There is currently no treatment available to stop the decline in vision and hearing caused by Usher syndrome. The Usher Syndrome Foundation is committed to raising donations to fund hopeful scientific research. Joyce is proud to contribute as an ambassador of the Usher Syndrome Foundation to realizing the dream of continuing to hear and see.
Would you like to know more about Usher syndrome or help us make our dream come true?
