In this episode of Opening Pathways, host Tom LeNoble engages in a profound conversation with Jose, a former CEO of Citgo and a survivor of a five-year hostage situation in Venezuela. Jose shares his remarkable journey from corporate success to personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and community service. He discusses how his experiences in captivity reshaped his identity, leading him to become a speaker, author, and coach dedicated to helping others navigate their own challenges. The conversation delves into the geopolitical situation in Venezuela, the impact of leadership on personal values, and the significance of maintaining balance in life amidst chaos. Jose reflects on the lessons learned from his past, including the necessity of letting go of ego and embracing vulnerability. He highlights the importance of trust, the power of personal testimony, and the role of faith in overcoming adversity. As he looks to the future, Jose expresses his vision for a nonprofit aimed at aiding Hispanic immigrants in trauma recovery, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact in the world. This episode is a testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of faith and community. We hope you enjoyed this episode of Opening Pathways. Like, comment, and subscribe to never miss a new episode. Connect with Tom LeNoble on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomlenoble/ Visit Tom LeNoble’s website here: tomlenoble.com Listen to Opening Pathways on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NQHGMCSL5hAXKEGiYLYQ1?si=afaa94335cd74d11Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-pathways/id1814079495Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6bd53c4-ac1e-4e05-b65e-96b04cf21caf #openingpathways #leadership #businessstrategy #teammanagement #professionaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #startupadvice #founderjourney #executivethoughts #missiondrivenwork #bayareabusiness #sanfranciscobusinessOpening Pathways with Tom Lenoble is a podcast for founders, managers, and forward-thinking business leaders who want real insights into leadership, growth, and navigating today’s evolving workplace. Each episode features candid conversations with innovators and executives across industries—sharing lessons on team management, strategy, resilience, and scaling businesses with purpose. Whether you're building a startup, leading a mission-driven organization, or stepping into leadership for the first time, this show helps you stay grounded and inspired. Based in San Francisco, this series highlights voices from the Bay Area and beyond, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to lead effectively in today’s business landscape.
