About Jose Pereira

My experience as the CEO of Citgo Petroleum provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that come with leading large organizations, managing multicultural teams, and navigating complex global markets. Throughout my career, I dealt with high-pressure situations and learned the importance of strategic decision-making, crisis management, and ethical leadership. These experiences positioned me to help other leaders by teaching them how to lead effectively while maintaining their values. My transition into coaching was inspired by my desire to help executives and entrepreneurs build resilience, especially after my own journey through adversity, where I saw the value of leadership that is grounded in purpose and integrity. 

The book captures the story of my wrongful imprisonment and the resilience I needed to survive. It is not just a personal account of what happened to me but a reflection on the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith and perseverance. In my coaching and speaking, I emphasize the importance of leading with purpose, maintaining integrity even in the toughest times, and turning adversity into an opportunity for growth. My philosophy centers around the idea that challenges, no matter how extreme, can forge stronger leaders and individuals. 

The lessons from my experience resonate deeply with the principles I teach in my coaching and speaking engagements. 

My faith in God was the anchor that kept me grounded during my captivity. When everything else was stripped away—my freedom, my career, my ability to be with my family—I still had my faith. It was my belief that God had a purpose for me, even in such a dark situation, that gave me the strength to endure. I received messages of hope and faith, like the one from Richard Phillips before my capture, which I interpreted as God preparing me for the storm ahead.

Prayer and scripture became my lifeline, and I firmly believe that it was God’s grace that helped me survive those 1,775 days

Surviving captivity taught me the importance of aligning professional success with personal values and fulfillment. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of a high-stakes career and lose sight of what truly matters—family, faith, and purpose. My approach to coaching emphasizes the need for balance. I help others see that professional success should not come at the cost of their personal well-being or relationships. Through my experience, I’ve learned that true leadership and success are about being authentic, staying resilient through challenges, and maintaining your inner compass, even when external circumstances are tough. 

I believe in the power of storytelling and vulnerability. By sharing my personal journey—from being a top executive to a hostage, to finding freedom and purpose again—I show audiences that they, too, can overcome the challenges they face. I connect with people by being real and honest about my experiences, including the pain, doubt, and fear I had to navigate.

When I speak, I focus on the message that everyone has the power to turn their struggles into strength. My goal is to leave people feeling inspired to take control of their lives and take action, no matter their circumstances. 

In my coaching programs, I emphasize the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and leading with intention. C-suite executives and entrepreneurs often face overwhelming professional demands, but without personal well-being, long-term success is unsustainable.

I encourage them to prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health, just as they would their business goals. I share strategies for effective time management, delegation, and mindfulness to help them stay grounded. Through my own experiences, I understand the cost of neglecting personal well-being, and I aim to help others avoid the same pitfalls while achieving both personal and professional fulfillment. 

Connection, to me, means building relationships based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. 

Whether in business or in personal life, meaningful connections are what sustain us through difficult times and enhance our successes. During my time as a hostage, the connection I maintained with my family and the support from my faith community were my lifelines. 

In my coaching, I help others develop these deep connections by encouraging authentic communication, empathy, and a willingness to be vulnerable. In leadership, meaningful connections are key to inspiring and empowering teams, and in life, they are essential for a sense of belonging and purpose. 

My family was my reason for surviving. Even though I was separated from them physically, I drew strength from the thought of being reunited with them one day. Their unwavering support, love, and prayers kept me going through the darkest moments. I often imagined what they were going through and how I needed to stay strong for them. The thought of seeing them again gave me hope. My wife Mervis and my children were a constant reminder that I had something to live for, and their faith in my return gave me the resilience I needed to endure each day. 

One of the most important lessons is that leadership requires resilience, especially in times of uncertainty. Entrepreneurs and executives must be prepared to face setbacks, whether in business or life, and have the strength to bounce back.I also believe that leadership must be driven by a sense of purpose and ethical responsibility. In today’s world, leaders are not just measured by their profits but by their integrity and the impact they have on others. 

Finally, the ability to adapt and stay calm under pressure is critical. My experiences taught me that no matter how difficult the circumstances, maintaining focus, faith, and determination can lead to success.

I am motivated by the belief that my story can inspire others to overcome their own challenges. 

I want people to know that even in the face of extreme adversity, there is hope. Sharing my story also allows me to honor the many people who supported me during my captivity, especially my family and those who fought for my freedom. My hope is that when people hear my story, they realize that resilience, faith, and perseverance can carry them through even the toughest of times. I want my place in history to be a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of staying true to one’s values, no matter what.