Thank You to Conscious Capitalism

 I’m still reflecting on the incredible energy and warmth that filled the room at The Cannon West Houston. My deepest thanks to the Conscious Capitalism Houston Chapter for hosting such a powerful and meaningful fireside chat. It was more than an event , it was a moment of true connection, shared purpose, and transformative conversation.

To the inspiring board members; Leslie Amerman, James Henry, Kristin Herbel, Rick Fox, Steven Leeper, April Lundy, and Tammira Philippe, thank you for your leadership and commitment to values-driven impact. Your kindness and vision created a space where authenticity could thrive.

A special thank you to Steven Leeper, who guided our discussion with insight and compassion. Your questions opened the door for deeper reflection and real dialogue.

And to the audience of CEOs, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers, thank you for showing up with such presence and passion. The Q&A was electric, the conversations were heartfelt, and your engagement reminded me why this mission matters.

From the Venezuelan food and wine tasting to the personal moments shared during the book signing, the evening was a reminder that leadership grounded in service, resilience, and purpose truly resonates.

This event was a celebration of what’s possible when we lead with heart. Thank you for being part of it.

🎥 Watch the recap video here.

With gratitude,
José Pereira
Resilience. Purpose. Connection.

I always say it is about the friends you make along the way. Last night, it was truly an honor to share a moment with Steven Leeper and I am honored by his comments on LinkedIn

 "The power of forgiveness. 

Logic would say there’s no way to endure what Jose Perreira endured as a hostage for 5 years as a political prisoner of the Venezuelan government without losing heart, positive spirit, and hope. 

Miraculously, he was able to forgive the same people who caused his profound suffering. He found community, a routine, and faith in prison— this opened up the impossible. 

I was honored last night to interview Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk , fmr CEO of Citgo and Citgo 6 survivor. 

Thanks for your post @Monica Silva Kaus 

It summarized so well key takeaways for us as people and leaders. Truly a beautiful evening. 

Even In the absolute pit, hope is possible. Find the others and lean on them.

Thanks Conscious Capitalism Houston Chapter , April Lundy Savage Brands Bethany Andell Kristin Herbel"

Thank you, Bethany for your kinds words. "Everyone has an unbeatable spirit - you just have to unleash it." Wow. I felt honored last night to be a part of such an intimate group of leaders to hear from Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk on his experience as part of the "Citgo 6" unjustly taken hostages in Venezuela for 5 years. His messages of purpose, resilience and forgiveness were inspiring and certainly put life in perspective. He spoke of the importance of human connectivity, daily routine, spirituality, finding hope and never giving up. One of many memorable moments, "You will fail but my mantra is to never give up. Setbacks are part of your comebacks." Thank you Conscious Capitalism Houston Chapter for putting such a meaningful event together and to Steven Leeper for guiding the conversation so beautifully. hashtag#leadwithpurpose

Savage Brands Christopher Kissel Lee Ahlstrom, IRC Simon Lawrie Monica Silva Kaus Chris Jones April Lundy Jay Andrew Leslie Amerman Kristin Herbel Diana Ebanks Tammira Philippe"

Thank you  Monica Silva Kaus, it was an honor to spend this time with you.  "Last night I had the profound privilege of attending a fireside chat with Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk, one of the Citgo 6 executives who was unjustly detained in Venezuela for more than five years. His resilience and wisdom in the face of unimaginable adversity left me deeply moved.

Key insights that will stay with me:

On connection & community: "Stay connected - it will keep you growing. Don't isolate yourself." Even in his darkest moments, Jose emphasized how human connection became a lifeline. There were "angels along the way" - people who showed up when hope seemed impossible.

On daily discipline & symbols of Hope: Maintaining a daily routine became an anchor of stability amidst chaos. Jose shared how he kept a suitcase in his prison cell - a powerful symbol and metaphor that anchored him to the hope of returning home. These tangible reminders, combined with daily structure, can preserve our humanity when everything else feels uncertain.

On spiritual resilience: Don't lose your connection with spirituality. Whether through faith, meditation, or personal reflection, maintaining that deeper connection provides strength that external circumstances cannot touch.

On gratitude: Express gratitude, even, and especially, in difficult times. This practice transforms our perspective and builds resilience from within.

On forgiveness: Perhaps his most powerful message: "Unforgiveness will make you a hostage forever." True freedom isn't just physical; it's the choice to release bitterness and reclaim your own peace.

Jose's story reminds us that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. His courage and grace are testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit.

Thank you to Savage Brands, namely Steven Leeper and Bethany Andell, and to Conscious Capitalism Houston Chapter for the invitation to this unforgettable event. "

 Oscar, I appreciate your thoughtful and heartfelt reflection. Your words moved me deeply. 

"I had the incredible opportunity to attend a fireside chat with Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk former CEO of CITGO and one of the CITGO6—six oil executives wrongfully detained in Venezuela for nearly five years.

Hearing José share his story firsthand was deeply humbling. He spoke of unimaginable hardship and how he endured it with faith, gratitude, and an unshakable belief that he would return home. One moment that struck me was when he shared how he kept a packed suitcase in the corner of his cell—a symbol of his determination and hope that freedom would come.

He signed his book for me with a powerful message:

“Never give up. Pursue your dream, visualize them, and ask God and you will make them come true.”

It’s a reminder that no matter how hard the circumstances, the mindset we carry can shape our future. As I continue building my career and serving others, this moment reminded me that perseverance and vision are non-negotiable.

Thank you, José, for your strength and for inspiring us to stay grounded in faith and purpose—even in the darkest moments."