Floris Meijer

Floris’s story

His story is about identity, inclusion, dealing with adversity and resilience.

What happens to your identity when everything changes?
Floris Meijer knows better than anyone what it is like when life suddenly takes a completely different direction. He was once described as fearless: an acrobat who soared through the air performing flips. After his accident, however, the way others looked at him changed. Suddenly, he was asked questions like: “Do you need any help?” or “Shall I hold the door open for you?”

Not being able to walk turned out not to be the hardest part. It was the loss of his identity that affected him most deeply. Because who are you when others start seeing you primarily in terms of what you can no longer do?

This personal experience forms the foundation of Floris’ talks. He shows how well-intentioned behaviour can unintentionally reduce someone to their disability. And how the way others see and interact with us can influence our independence, self-confidence and sense of self-worth.

From Helping to Empowering
Floris invites his audience to look at inclusion and diversity from a different perspective. Not by deciding for someone else what they need, but by creating the space and conditions in which people can take control themselves.

His story is about identity, inclusion, dealing with adversity and resilience. About staying true to yourself when circumstances change. About taking ownership when life presents you with challenges. And, above all, about the question: what conditions do we create for resilience — and what impact does our behaviour have on others?

**His Keynotes

Personal, Sharp & with Humour**
Floris is a speaker and trainer with the Wheelchair Skills Team and competed at the Paralympic Games in China in 2022. As a father, partner and someone who continually challenges himself both physically and mentally, he brings not only a remarkable story, but also years of personal experience.

Seven years ago, his mission began on stage during a TED Talk. Since then, he has used his personal experiences to encourage people to reflect on how we see one another, how we interact with each other, and how we can help make each other stronger.

His talks are personal, honest and human. With humour and sharp observations, Floris makes visible what often happens unconsciously — and gives his audience new perspectives on inclusion, identity and resilience.

Because inclusion does not begin with what someone cannot do, but with the space we give each other to do what is possible.

“Action is in Floris’ blood. Every now and then, he brings a touch of action to the stage.”

Key Themes

• Inclusion & Diversity – from helping to empowering
• Identity – staying true to yourself when circumstances change
• Dealing with Adversity – taking ownership of your life
• Resilience – growing through adversity
• The Impact of Behaviour – how our actions affect others

Floris Meijer through JSPYRE for a keynote that moves, inspires and motivates people to take action. A powerful story about identity, inclusion and resilience.

Floris can also be booked as a buddy for people who are bedridden following an accident. From on his own experience, he understands better than anyone what people may be going through at such a moment. He offers recognition, a listening ear and practical support in rebuilding self-confidence, independence and a sense of perspective.
His personal experience makes him a valuable conversation partner for people who are at the beginning of a profound change in their lives.