Navigating International Business Travel: Mitigating Risks Abroad?
Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk
CEO @ JoseConnect.com LLC | International Leadership Speaker | International Bestseller Author" From Hero to Villain" | Leadership & Resilience Expert | C-Suite Coach | Former Citgo CEO | Former 5 Y Hostage
Dear Resilience Builders,?
Today we will continue on our exciting series within our "Building Up Resilience" newsletter, where we will delve into the intricacies of international business travel.
In a world filled with complexities like : Hostage diplomacy, insecurity, and fundamentalist groups, it's crucial to equip ourselves with knowledge and strategies to mitigate potential dangers in any international travel
Over the coming weeks, we will deep dive into the following three critical topics:?
I. Hostage Diplomacy?
II. Insecurity and Civil Unrest
III. Fundamentalist Groups
In today's edition, let's explore the three most risky situations that can occur during international business travel and discover effective ways to preemptively address them.?
It's essential to remember that some of the most valuable insights come from understanding cultural differences and familiarizing yourself with the local laws and behaviors:
?I. Hostage Diplomacy:
With the recent rise in hostage diplomacy cases, individuals abroad for work can inadvertently become pawns in political disputes.?
To mitigate this risk:
Pre-Assessment:?Prior to your trip,?
Conduct a risk assessment of your destination.
A) Check with your government
Check if The US government or your home country's government had issued any travel restrictions, bans, or recommendations for that specific country.
B) Stay Informed:?
Keep yourself updated about the political climate in your destination.
C) Cultural Understanding:?
Gain knowledge of cultural differences, local laws, and behaviors.
II. Insecurity and Civil Unrest:
Traveling to regions with instability or civil unrest poses significant challenges.?
To enhance your safety:
?A) Thorough Research:?
Research the destination thoroughly and assess its security situation. -?
B) Local Contacts:?
Establish a reliable local contact or guide who is familiar with the area. -?
C) Contingency Plan:?
Have a contingency plan in place, including evacuation routes and emergency contacts
III. Fundamentalist Groups:?
The presence of fundamentalist ideological groups can add complexity to international travel.?
Protect yourself by :?
A) Cultural Sensitivity:?
Adhere to local customs and dress codes to blend in.
B) Avoid Controversy:?
Avoid controversial topics and religious discussions.?
C) Digital Privacy:?
Keep a low digital profile, including on social media, to minimize exposure.?
Considering all this facts ?I ?have decided to kick-start this new series by hosting a LinkedIn Audio event next Friday September 15th at 7 pm CT co-hosted with Angelica Corral ?
During this event, I will share my unique experiences, having been taken as a hostage during an international trip and spending five years in captivity before returning through a prisoner swap.
We will also mention what the US and the?international Hostage community is doing to deterred and punish this international practice that is Increasing the vulnerability of the International travelers and becoming a National threat to many countries?
We will talk about the Event that in the Frame of the UN General Assembly this month in NYC will be hosted by Hostage Aid Worldwide ( HAW )on September 18th with the presence in the panel of Former International Hostages from several countries that I am also honored to be part of the panel?, and you can see here more details of the event
Considering my deep knowledge on this topic and our extensive network of government and non-government agencies, that advocate and take action in hostage situations, I am proud to introduce a new sub-program within my :
领英推荐
LPSG - Life Pills For Surviving Guide coaching program called:
"Travel Abroad Risk Assessment and Management Coaching Program."
This new coaching program is to help to mitigate this risk to CEOs and companies that have executive and employees traveling abroad or in international assignation as expats?
?If you need more advice or guidance, I invite you to book a 30-minute free call with me via Calendly at
Additionally, you can explore my website at
Or visit my Linktree at:
Or contact me via email
Or WhatsApp?
+1-832-534-0873
Stay safe, stay informed, and continue building your resilience.?
And remember my motto in life is:
“NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER LOSE FAITH “
?Until next time,?
Jose Pereira
Adversity & Resilience Coach
Coach as a Survivor LLC
Your Next Steps
If you're intrigued by our program or simply wish to discuss your international travel concerns, we invite you to reach out. We offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how our program can benefit you. ?
Please contact us through our Calendly link, via email at [email protected], or on WhatsApp chat at 832-854-0873.?
We are here to assist you in prioritizing safety and preparedness on your international journeys.?
Thank you for being a part of our community, and remember: Awareness is the first step towards a secure and successful global adventure.?
“Traveling Abroad Risk Mitigation Coaching Program”
About Jose Pereira
Jose Pereira, a former oil company executive with thirty-five years of experience and the former CEO of Citgo Petroleum, was unjustly detained and held captive in Venezuela as a member of the CITGO6, a group of six Americans employed by Citgo.
His wrongful captivity, based solely on his American nationality, lasted for 1,775 days, from November 21, 2017, to October 1, 2022.
Since returning from his five-year detention, Pereira has reconnected with his family and written his memoir. He stands up for Americans unlawfully detained overseas and strives to modify US laws concerning these crimes.
Pereira continues to leverage his experiences living and working in multiple countries to engender compassion in individuals of all ethnicity and across all cultural and political considerations to bring hostages home.
He empowers others to make positive changes in the world as he works to re-acclimate to society and is passionate about joining his voice with others intent on raising awareness.
https:/linktr.ee/jose_angel_pereira
About the book: Pre -Sale campaign this week launched through the following link in Publishizer
https://publishizer.com/from-hero-to-villain/
"From Hero to Villain-The true Story of the CITGO6"
Pereira's book is a riveting account of the events leading up to and during the imprisonment of the CITGO6. Notably,during most of his detainment, Pereira and his wife engaged in a death-defying act reminiscent of Anne Frank secreting her diary from the Nazis. They smuggled letters to each other, which boosted his morale to keep living another day and inspired this book upon release. These carefully written words served as a vital resource for Pereira in outlining his memoir. The determination and bravery embodied by him and his wife in preserving these letters under such punishing duress add a remarkable layer of depth to Pereira’s story.
When you read his accounts, you are there with him in the gritty cell, enduring the agony of fellow prisoners, then finally rejoicing when he hears the news he is going home.
Pereira’s story has since evolved into a movement: changing the narrative of what it takes to bring the wrongfully detained home. This is a work unlike any other. The advent of critical change is making a difference not only in the lives of prisoners; it is transforming global politics around these cases. Sometimes, it is the quietest voice that influences and alters our trajectory. Also in the works: a guidebook providing recommendations to returning detainees to enable their successful reintegration into society—the only publication of its kind.
if you wan to know more of the book go here:?https://fromheroetovillian-thetruestoryofthecitgo6.com/
Want to know more? : Book a FREE 30 MINUTES CALL
We will also continue our defense of all those who continue to be wrongfully detained around the world as part of wicked hostage diplomacy. For more information, please visit and donate to @BOFHCampaing.
And remember
"Never give up, never lose hope, never lose faith"