In this conversation, Jose Pereira shares his extraordinary journey from being a successful oil executive to being kidnapped and held hostage for five years in Venezuela. He discusses the challenges he faced during his captivity, the importance of resilience and routine, and how these experiences shaped his current role as a leadership and resilience coach. Jose emphasizes the power of connection, spirituality, and the need to overcome personal limitations to unleash one's potential. His story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and thrive in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways

• Jose Pereira was kidnapped and held hostage for five years.
• He created a 'survivor plan' with fellow hostages to cope with captivity.
• Resilience is key to leadership; leaders must adapt and bounce back.
• Reconnecting with loved ones and spirituality is crucial for personal growth.
• You can find purpose in pain and adversity.
• Everyone has an unbreakable spirit waiting to be unleashed.
• Life is not linear; it is full of ups and downs.
• Willingness to change is essential for personal development.
• Routine and structure can help maintain mental health in difficult situations.
• Jose wrote a book about his experiences as a hostage.

Sound Bites

• "I was kidnapped and held hostage for five years."
• "We created a survivor plan to cope with captivity."
• "You can find purpose in the pain."

About the Guest
José Pereira is a leadership coach, resilience expert, and international speaker with over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including executive roles at PDVSA and CITGO Petroleum. 

In 2017, José’s life took a dramatic turn when he was unjustly detained in Venezuela, along with five other CITGO executives, in a highly publicized international hostage situation known as the “CITGO6.” 
Held captive for nearly five years, José’s faith, strength, and resilience were severely tested. 
After his release in October 2022, he emerged as a passionate advocate for the hostage community, helping families of current and former hostages and raising awareness about international hostage diplomacy.
Today, José channels his profound personal experiences into his work as a coach and speaker. 
He is the founder of joseconnect.com LLC, where he leads programs focused on building resilience, servant leadership, and thriving after trauma and helping C-suite to reconnect their business success with their personal fulfillment 
His signature speech, “From Captivity to Freedom”, has inspired audiences at major conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits across the globe.
A dedicated man of faith, José is deeply involved in his church, “Intimidad con Dios” in Houston, Texas, where he and his wife Mervis serve as leaders. 
His story is one of unwavering hope, ethical leadership, and transformation in the face of adversity. 
Through his work, José empowers others to overcome life’s most difficult challenges, leading with purpose, empathy, and resilience.

website: Joseconnect.com

About Philippa Bagley
I’m a Professional Speaker and Therapist with a diverse background that includes military service and teaching.Like many people, I grew tired of corporate life and retrained in a range of therapies.
Now, I combine my extensive qualifications to assist individuals and organisations in boosting their communication, connection, and confidence. This enables them to make a significant impact on the world.I am passionately committed to mentoring clients, helping them overcome issues related to confidence, anxiety, and trauma, unlocking their potential, achieving their highest goals, and building mental resilience.

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