Jose Pereira – Top Latinos
Hockley, TX/LWW/ Mr. Jose Pereira, President & Bilingual (English-Spanish) Leadership and Resilience Coach and Speaker with JoseConnect.com LLC has been recognized by the Top Latinos in the 2026 edition.

Jose Pereira is a globally recognized leader, resilience coach, and motivational speaker with over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including his tenure as CEO of Citgo Petroleum. His life took an unimaginable turn when he was unjustly detained in Venezuela for 1,775 days as one of the Citgo6—a group of U.S.-linked executives wrongfully imprisoned on fabricated charges. Emerging from this harrowing experience, Jose has transformed his personal trials into a mission of advocacy, leadership, and inspiration, becoming a beacon of hope for those facing adversity.
As an author, Jose shares his extraordinary journey in his memoir, From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the Citgo6. The multi-award-winning bestseller, available in multiple languages, recounts his five-year ordeal as an international hostage. Drawing from over 1,000 secret letters smuggled between him and his wife, Mervis, during captivity, the book offers a deeply personal and inspiring narrative of survival, faith, and resilience. It not only sheds light on the human cost of political conflict but also serves as a guide for readers to find strength in their own challenges. The memoir’s success has cemented Jose’s place as a thought leader in resilience and leadership, with its Spanish edition achieving the coveted title of Amazon #1 Bestseller in the Biography & Memoir category for Hispanic and Latino books.
As a bilingual (English-Spanish) leadership and resilience coach, Jose brings a unique perspective to his work. His coaching programs are tailored for C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, focusing on the intersection of professional success and personal well-being. His flagship program, Executive Resilience: A Balanced Leadership Approach, addresses the unspoken challenges of leadership—stress, isolation, and the relentless drive for performance. Drawing from his own experiences as a CEO and survivor, Jose provides actionable strategies to help leaders regain balance, build resilience, and lead with purpose. His coaching is not just about professional growth; it’s about empowering individuals to thrive in all aspects of life.
Jose is also an inspiring and motivating speaker whose signature talks draw deeply from his personal journey as a CEO, international hostage, and resilience advocate. Delivered in both English and Spanish, his presentations resonate with audiences across the globe, offering powerful lessons on resilience, purpose-driven leadership, faith, adaptability, and overcoming adversity. He has delivered impactful talks at prestigious venues such as TAG Talks at Marriott Dallas, Unity Church of Houston, Rotary Club Plano Texas, C-Suite for Christ in Houston and Dallas, and the Global Speaker Summit. His ability to connect with audiences on a personal level makes his presentations unforgettable, inspiring individuals to take bold action in their own lives.
At the heart of Jose’s journey lies an unwavering faith in God, which guided him through every challenge as a C-suite executive, international hostage, husband, and father. His story is one of resilience, love, and the rediscovery of an unbreakable spirit. During his captivity, Jose’s faith became his foundation, allowing him to endure unimaginable hardships and emerge stronger. Today, he is a dedicated advocate for those wrongfully imprisoned and for the broader issues of hostage diplomacy and human rights. His experience provides rare and invaluable insights into the complex world of international negotiations and the profound human cost of political manipulation. Through his advocacy, Jose sheds light on the hidden realities of hostage diplomacy and the resilience required to survive such crises.
In addition to his work as an author, executive coach, and international speaker, Jose is also launching a new humanitarian initiative—his NGO Angels Helping in Earth. This organization is dedicated to supporting immigrants and trauma survivors through resilience, faith, and community service. Jose is grateful for the opportunity to share this mission as part of his story and ongoing work, furthering his commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Jose Pereira’s story has captured the attention of global media, with features on CNN, FOX News, Forbes, and more. His insights on leadership, resilience, and global politics have made him a sought-after guest for interviews and panel discussions. Highlights of his media presence include a CNN exclusive with Anderson Cooper on AC360, where he reflected on his captivity and the broader implications of hostage diplomacy, and a FOX News feature where he discussed the human cost of political conflict and the lessons he learned during his ordeal. In addition to his media appearances, Jose is the host of the Building Resilience podcast and the TV show Líderes Inquebrantables on Now Media TV, where he continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
Jose’s contributions to leadership and resilience have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Thinkers360 Top Voice and Thought Leader, Global Education Keynote Speaker of the Year, and multi-award-winning author. He has also been honored as a Goodwill Ambassador for Human Rights, advocating for justice and dignity for all. His mission is to help individuals and organizations unlock their potential, embrace challenges, and lead with purpose. Whether through his books, coaching programs, or speaking engagements, Jose inspires others to find strength in adversity and achieve a meaningful balance between professional success and personal fulfillment. To learn more about Jose Pereira or to book him for coaching or speaking engagements, visit JoseConnect.com.
Amazon Author Page (English & Spanish)
https://lnkd.in/gYcZq8J9
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-angel-pereira/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068010210574
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pereirajap3a
YouTube Channel
https://youtube.com/@josepereira-nz4ps?feature=shared
TikTok

Top Latinos is a prestigious New York publication dedicated to honoring the achievements of the Latino community. They meticulously identify and honor outstanding Latino professionals nationwide who have reached impressive levels of success in their respective fields. By showcasing their accomplishments, they aim to foster growth and appreciation of the Latino industry and culture. Since their establishment in 2010, Top Latinos has been wholeheartedly committed to fulfilling their mission of bringing awareness to the exceptional contributions made by the Latino professional and executive community.