Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tim Reitsma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tim, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Invisible Condition was born out of my own experience living with Crohn’s disease and the challenges I’ve faced navigating workplaces and society with an invisible condition.

Too often, I’ve seen people like me hide their struggles out of fear or stigma, and it became clear to me that this silence, often relevant because of the fear, judgement, and stigma we face, doesn’t help the problem.

My mission is deeply personal: to create a world where individuals with invisible conditions feel empowered to share their stories, ask for what they need, and be met with understanding and respect. Invisible Condition exists to educate, challenge biases, and open conversations so that no one has to feel like they’re fighting this battle alone. For me, this is more than work—it’s a calling to help build inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Tim Reitsma, founder of Invisible Condition. I started this journey because of my personal experiences living with Crohn’s disease and the challenges that come with having an invisible condition. For years, I struggled to navigate society and workplaces where my needs weren’t always understood, and I realized just how much stigma and silence surround invisible disabilities. That realization fueled my passion for change, and Invisible Condition was born.

At Invisible Condition, it’s about telling stories and creating a platform for education, advocacy, and meaningful change. Through my podcast, workshops, and resources, we amplify the voices of those living with invisible conditions and spark conversations that challenge biases.

I focus on providing education that empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and inspires workplaces to embrace disability inclusion. I aim to help workplaces build environments where everyone feels they belong and can thrive—without fear or stigma.

What sets Invisible Condition apart is the authenticity of the message. This work isn’t just theoretical; it’s lived experience. I’ve walked the path of self-advocacy, learned the hard lessons, and know firsthand what it’s like to feel unseen. That perspective allows me to connect deeply with both individuals and organizations, offering insights that go beyond surface-level inclusivity initiatives.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make by sharing stories—both mine and those of others who live with invisible conditions. Seeing someone feel heard, understood, and equipped to take action is incredibly rewarding. What I want people to know is that this work isn’t about perfection or ticking boxes; it’s about progress, compassion, and creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves.

Invisible Condition is about more than just raising awareness—it’s about driving real change. Whether it’s helping someone craft the right words to disclose their condition or guiding a company through creating inclusive policies, I’m here to make sure no one feels like they’re facing this alone.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been a constant theme in my journey, especially as I’ve worked to build Invisible Condition while navigating the pressures of life, chronic illness, and the unrealistic expectations we often place on ourselves based on what we see online. For me, resilience is about more than just pushing through; it’s about bouncing back to a pre-crisis state. And I’ve learned that we can do this through three key practices: reframing the problem, reaching out for support, and reflecting on the journey.

Building something meaningful, like Invisible Condition, while managing the day-to-day realities of chronic illness hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of doubt and immense pressure—both internal and external. The internet can paint a picture of instant success, and it’s hard not to compare or feel the need to prove yourself. But this journey has been a reflective time for me, helping me refocus on my purpose and values.

Sure, there are pressures to turn Invisible Condition into something financially sustainable, but staying true to the mission is what matters most to me. That’s why I work other jobs—to put food on the table and to fuel the expenses that come with building a media and education project like this. It’s a balancing act, and there are days when it feels overwhelming.

What keeps me grounded is remembering why I started: to create change, empower voices, and challenge stigma. By reframing challenges as opportunities to grow, leaning on a support network of friends, family, and collaborators, and taking time to reflect on how far I’ve come, I’ve been able to keep going—even when the road feels long.

Resilience isn’t about having it all figured out or never faltering; it’s about finding ways to recover and keep moving forward. And for me, that’s what makes this journey so meaningful—it’s as much about the process as it is about the future.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A big lesson I’ve had to unlearn is constantly asking myself why—as in, why am I doing this? For a long time, I felt the pressure to chase the algorithm, to create content or build strategies that would work within the ever-changing rules of social media and the online world. I thought success was tied to numbers: more followers, more likes, more engagement. But what I’ve realized is that chasing the algorithm often means losing sight of what truly matters—connection, authenticity, and impact.

The turning point for me came when I shifted my focus from trying to “game the system” to building meaningful relationships with people who genuinely resonate with Invisible Condition’s mission. I started prioritizing conversations over metrics and purpose over performance. That shift has already paid me back in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Whether it’s someone sharing how our content helped them feel seen or a workplace that’s made real changes because of something they learned from Invisible Condition, these moments remind me why I started in the first place.

Unlearning this lesson has been freeing. It’s allowed me to focus on the heart of the work and connect with people who are truly bought in and want to support. Success, I’ve learned, isn’t about going viral—it’s about creating something that matters and knowing it’s making a difference in someone’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.invisiblecondition.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisible_condition/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timreitsma/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Invisible_Condition
• Other: Newsletter: https://www.invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW?si=508fb250e5e547c9
  Other: https://theinvisibleconditionpodcast.buzzsprout.com