Author's Interview with José Pereira.

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

Jose Pereira is a seasoned leadership and resilience coach, drawing from over three decades of experience in the global oil and gas industry. A former executive for PDVSA and former CEO of Citgo Petroleum inc.

His career has taken him around the world, working on international joint ventures. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was taken hostage in 2017 as part of the Citgo6, an ordeal that lasted five years.

During his captivity, Jose smuggled over 1,000 letters to his wife, a remarkable feat that became the foundation for his memoir, “From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the Citgo6”. 

Now a sought-after speaker and author, Jose shares his journey of survival, resilience, and faith, inspiring audiences to overcome adversity and lead with courage.

He is the founder of  Coach as a Survivor LLC, where he coaches individuals and organizations on building unbreakable leadership spirits. 

In addition to his coaching and speaking, Jose hosts a weekly talk show in HOD Radio Word network and a LinkedIn Audio Room among a newsletter , all of them under the name of “Building Resilience”, where he discusses the intersection of leadership, resilience, and spiritual growth. 

His work is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in the face of unimaginable challenges.

2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it?

My book, “From Hero to Villain,” was inspired by the 1,000 letters I secretly smuggled to my wife during my five years of captivity. These letters were my lifeline, a way to share my deepest thoughts, fears, and hopes, and they became a testament to the resilience of love and faith.

Beyond my personal journey, the book serves as a tool to raise awareness about the evil practice of hostage diplomacy. It’s a call to action to stop this cruel exploitation, and a message of hope for anyone facing their own battles, reminding them that even in the darkest times, there is always light through connection, faith, and perseverance.

3. What is your book about?

“From Hero to Villain” is my personal memoir that recounts my journey from being a successful oil executive to enduring five years of wrongful imprisonment as part of the Citgo 6. The book delves into the harsh realities of hostage diplomacy and explores the emotional and psychological toll of captivity. Through 1,000 letters I smuggled to my wife, I share my experiences of survival, faith, and resilience, offering readers a roadmap for overcoming adversity and shedding light on the global issue of political hostage-taking. It’s a story of hope, faith, and the strength of the human spirit.

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

I chose the memoir genre for my book, “From Hero to Villain,” because it allowed me to tell my story in the most authentic and personal way. This genre gives me the freedom to share the raw emotions, challenges, and experiences I faced during my five years of captivity. It also enables me to connect with readers on a deeper level, offering them a firsthand account of the harsh realities of hostage diplomacy while providing hope and inspiration for overcoming adversity. Through this format, I aim to raise awareness and encourage others to find strength in faith, love, and resilience.

5. How long did it take you to complete the book?

I chose the memoir genre for my book, “From Hero to Villain,” because it allowed me to tell my story in the most authentic and personal way. This genre gives me the freedom to share the raw emotions, challenges, and experiences I faced during my five years of captivity. It also enables me to connect with readers on a deeper level, offering them a firsthand account of the harsh realities of hostage diplomacy while providing hope and inspiration for overcoming adversity. Through this format, I aim to raise awareness and encourage others to find strength in faith, love, and resilience.

6. What makes your book special?

What makes “From Hero to Villain” special is its deeply personal nature, grounded in the 1,000 letters I smuggled to my wife during my five years of wrongful imprisonment. These letters capture the raw emotions of survival, faith, and resilience under the harshest conditions, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the realities of hostage diplomacy.

More than just a memoir, the book provides a powerful message of hope, love, and perseverance for anyone facing adversity. It’s not just my story—it’s a universal reminder that even in the darkest moments, faith and the human spirit can guide us through.

7. When can we expect your next book?

The second book in my trilogy, expected to be released in 2025, will focus on life after returning from captivity. It delves into the challenges of reintegration, the lessons learned from such a harrowing experience, and the deep reflections that come with overcoming trauma. This next chapter will explore how faith, resilience, and purpose shaped my journey after freedom, offering insights into healing and moving forward. Like “From Hero to Villain,” the second book will continue to raise awareness about hostage diplomacy while providing hope and guidance to those facing their own battles.

8. Did you experience writer’s block while writing? What advice would you give to others who face it?

No, I didn’t experience writer’s block while writing “From Hero to Villain.” The process was quite fluid for me, although it did require me to navigate my healing journey alongside working with my therapist to address my PTSD. This emotional work was crucial, and it’s why the process took around a year.

My recommendation to other authors facing writer’s block is to stay persistent and keep pursuing their work. Don’t stop until you finish your masterpiece; sometimes, just pushing through and continuing to write, even when it feels challenging, can lead to breakthroughs. Remember, every step forward is part of the journey.

9. Besides being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?

Besides being a talented author, I am a leadership and resilience coach, as well as a leadership and motivational speaker. I am also a strong advocate for the hostage community, dedicated to raising awareness about the issues they face. In my spare time, I love to read and enjoy watching superhero movies, which often inspire me with their themes of courage, perseverance, and hope. These interests help balance my professional life and fuel my passion for storytelling and helping others.

10. Last but not least, how did you feel during this interview?

It was a great interview that allow to talk about my book and allow the people to know me more 

Book Review | Book Link