Interview

RotterdamRijker: “add meaning to your life”

RotterdamRijker is an organization that explores the softer aspects of the hard business world in which many of us work. The name itself, which translates as ‘Rotterdam Richer’, poses a conundrum: we’re ‘richer’ primarily because we earn money – but is that truly enriching? Gert Weerheim, a lawyer who has worked in construction and procurement practice for ten years, was looking for somewhere to help him cultivate a sense of depth and purpose in relation to his work, and discovered there was no such place in the Central District. He ran his idea past acquaintances, colleagues and partners at companies based in the area, and so RotterdamRijker was born.

Enthusiasm for an initiative dedicated to reflection and finding meaning and purpose quickly spread, resulting in a foundation with a governing board. Gert explains, “In essence, RotterdamRijker seeks to counter hard rationality with softer forces. We’re focused on our own peers – legal practitioners, consultants, accountants and people working at corporates in the city. However, we try to keep it lowkey and everyone interested in learning more about the deeper ‘questions of life’ is welcome. The core of the foundation is made up of a team of eight members, including Immanuel Kapteijns, who was hired part-time to do most of the organization.

SOCIALIZING FOR A SENSE OF PURPOSE

A core activity are RotterdamRijker’s Thursday programmes hosted at LaatBloeien every six weeks. For a small contribution, all are welcome to attend a reflective talk followed by drinks. “We’ve been fortunate to have some great names come speak to our guests already. On the 9th of December, Dirk De Wachter will give a talk about ‘the quest for a meaningful life’, and next year we’ve booked Ben Tiggelaar. People grab a beer and sit down to listen, and afterwards we all gather for drinks. As well as learning something, people enjoy the chance to meet others.” RotterdamRijker also runs a book club, with a film club soon to follow, offering a variety of ways for participants to get together and share.

TWO PILLARS

Underpinning the foundation’s activities and presentations are two fixed pillars: personal and professional development (and risks like burn-out), and economics and sustainability. “Within the second pillar, we see it as our mission to acquaint young professionals with both micro (e.g., how can my organization be a force for good?) and macro-level perspectives like what is a good form of capitalism?” For Gert, the conversations and mental journeys with visitors are immensely valuable. “It doesn’t primarily matter to us if someone chooses A or B, but that people start to think and talk about these questions. So have a look on our website www.rotterdamrijker.nl and come join us on December 9th!”