Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk

Jose Pereira is an author, coach, speaker, and survivor. His life’s work is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, faith, and the enduring strength of family.

In 2017, his life took an unimaginable turn when he and his colleagues were wrongfully imprisoned in Venezuela while he served as a C-suite executive at CITGO, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies. For five long years, Jose faced solitary confinement, isolation from the world, and constant uncertainty. Yet, even in those darkest moments, he discovered a light that kept him going—the unwavering love of his family and his deep-rooted faith in God.

Before his captivity, Jose had built an extraordinary career. With over 35 years of leadership experience, he had risen to the highest ranks of corporate success as a CEO, just months short of retirement. But when he found himself imprisoned, it wasn’t his titles or accomplishments that gave him the strength to endure the harsh conditions. It was his hope and belief that one day he would reunite with his wife, children, and grandchildren—the very people who were his reason for survival.

Throughout his time in captivity, Jose’s faith became his anchor. He held onto hope through prayer and found ways to stay connected to his family, even when he couldn’t physically be with them. The letters he exchanged with his wife, smuggled through trash cans over the course of three years, became his lifeline to the outside world. These letters, which later became the foundation of his book From Hero to Villain: The True Story of the CITGO 6, were a testament to his family’s love and determination. That connection, along with his unwavering faith, fueled his resilience and will to survive.

Jose’s story is not just one of survival but of triumph over adversity. His journey from captivity to freedom has shaped his mission today: to help others, especially business leaders and C-suite executives, find balance, connection, and fulfillment in their own lives.

At JoseConnect.com, Jose shares the lessons he learned both as a leader in the corporate world and as a hostage. He understands the immense pressures and unspoken challenges that come with leadership at the highest levels. That’s why, through his coaching and speaking, Jose now dedicates his life to helping others reclaim the balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.

His role is not that of a preacher, but rather a guide in helping people discover their unbreakable spirit of resilience and service. Through his journey, Jose has learned that true success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving professional milestones—it’s about finding purpose, connection, and strength in the face of adversity.

Whether someone is navigating personal struggles or facing the high-stakes challenges of leadership, Jose’s story serves as a reminder that no matter how dark life may seem, there is always a light within.

At JoseConnect.com, Jose Pereira brings his powerful life story and leadership experience to the forefront, offering C-suite executives and business leaders a path to balance professional success with personal fulfillment.

Jose is an author, a coach, a speaker, and a survivor. As a former CEO and survivor of an international hostage crisis, Jose brings his profound personal experience to the mission of the company. At JoseConnect.com, the challenges of high-level leadership are deeply understood, and Jose’s mission is to serve, motivate, and inspire executives to find resilience and purpose while navigating the demanding pressures of their careers.

Through his coaching, he helps leaders regain balance and fulfillment, both professionally and personally. In addition to coaching, JoseConnect offers opportunities for speaking engagements where Jose shares his extraordinary journey, providing historical insights, leadership lessons, and motivation drawn from his experiences as a pivotal figure in the Citgo 6 crisis. His story not only serves as a source of inspiration but also places him as a living piece of history, highlighting the importance of resilience and leadership in even the most trying circumstances.

With over 35 years of corporate leadership, including his role as CEO at CITGO, Jose knows firsthand the pressures of leading at the top. His experience, both in business and as a survivor of the Citgo 6 international hostage crisis, has given him unique insights into the personal struggles executives face—struggles that often go unspoken.

His deeply personal letter to C-suite executives, titled "I See You" and available on the website, demonstrates Jose's profound understanding of their unique challenges and highlights his ability to offer meaningful guidance and support. Through his Executive Resilience: A Balanced Leadership Approach program, Jose helps executives address the isolation and responsibility that can come with success, offering a roadmap to regain balance and fulfillment.

Jose’s coaching focuses on more than just advancing professional success—it’s about helping leaders rediscover balance in their personal lives. He understands the strain that high-level leadership can place on relationships, health, and personal well-being. Through his work at JoseConnect.com, Jose guides executives to reconnect with their families, regain their inner strength, and find clarity, resilience, and peace—all while maintaining their professional success. His approach is built on the belief that true fulfillment comes from aligning both personal and professional goals, helping leaders thrive in every aspect of life.

Beyond coaching, Jose is a sought-after speaker who shares his incredible story of survival, resilience, and leadership with audiences around the world. His speeches, including "From Captivity to Freedom: My Story of the Citgo 6", provide powerful insights into leadership, resilience, and finding strength in adversity.