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cover art for The Verified Phenoms podcast by Phillip 'Phenom' Robinson. A Long shot in Costa Rica with Richard Blank.

Podcast guest appearances. Richard Blank Costa Rica's Call Center

The Verified Phenoms podcast by Phillip 'Phenom' Robinson. A Long shot in Costa Rica with Richard Blank.



The official YouTube channel of Phillip 'Phenom' Robinson! Here, you'll find valuable insights, actionable tips, and inspiring content to help you simplify your goals, increase productivity, and achieve higher success rates.


Phenom is a Professional Speaker, 3x Author, 2x TEDx Speaker, Boxer, college Instructor, Mentor, and ESPN+ Producer. Subscribe to this channel as he imparts wisdom, shares real-life experiences, and provides practical strategies for success. Whether you're seeking personal growth, professional development, or entrepreneurial insights, you'll discover a wealth of knowledge and inspiration here. Together, let's become 1% better. 


Summary:In this captivating episode of the Verified Phenoms podcast, we dive deep into the life and insights of Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. From his daring move at 27 to Costa Rica, to building a thriving business, Richard shares his journey of courage, innovation, and the power of speaking a second language. Listeners will discover the importance of vulnerability, embracing challenges, and the art of communication in achieving success.



Key Takeaways:Embrace Change: Richard's move to Costa Rica exemplifies the courage to embrace change for personal and professional growth.Language as a Leverage: Mastery of a second language can be a significant advantage in the global market.Vulnerability Equals Strength: Openness and authenticity pave the way for meaningful connections and success.The Power of Persistence: Overcoming challenges through perseverance and a positive mindset.Importance of Soft Skills: Effective communication and empathy are key in leadership and business.Leveraging Past Experiences: Every past experience can be a stepping stone for future opportunities.




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  • RICHARD BLANK COSTA RICAS CALL CENTER. FIRST CONTACT STORIES OF THE CALL CENTER NOBELBIZ PODCAST

    56:50|
    FIRST CONTACT: Stories of the Call Center is the place where untold stories from unsung heroes of the contact center world become heard. Leaders of the industry gather for a conversation with our host Christian Montes to talk about success and failure, about business and people, tips and debates that can help you in day-to-day life. NobelBiz Inc. is an industry-leading provider of contact center software solutions, from their patented carrier of carriers networks to their new, innovative, and fully-remote omnichannel contact center solution. Their network guarantees crystal clear voice quality and 100% uptime.Our novel NobelBiz OMNI+ omnichannel contact center solution makes sure agents can seamlessly switch between Twitter and voice, or any channel, with a simple click. Their support and engineers are always ready to guarantee full compliance and attestation solutions.When it comes to call center turnover, Richard Blank (Costa Rica's Call Center) shares insightful advice on how to keep the staff engaged in the industry with the highest attrition - all from a training perspective.It starts with setting the right mindset and the relationship you have with the agent.Find out more from our latest podcast episode: Call Center Culture and The Secret Sauce of a Successful Phone Call, with Richard BlankThis is episode 2 of the third season of First Contact. Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train over 5000 employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. With a mix of motivational public speaking styles backed by tactful and appropriate rhetoric, Richard shared his knowledge and trained over 10 000 telemarketers. Richard Blank has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique jukeboxes in Central America, making gamification a strong part of CCC’s culture.Chapters:00:00 Intro / Richard Blank Presentation1:35 Fortune Favors the Brave: The beginning of a Call Center Journey3:14 People and moments that made you start your call center career5:04 How do you build a call center culture and grow call center agents08:03 Addressing conflicts within the call center**10:41 Adequate Training for Omnichannel Personalization13:54 The Engagement Toolkit to Fight Attrition17:05 Rhetoric and Phonetic Delivery: The Secret sauce of a Phone Call26:54 AD28:54 What Got Taken Away During COVID32:41 Old School Retro Gaming Turned Into Gamification38:40 The 30s Rule Technique42:22 Positive outcomes after Covid46:36 Keeping up with the team remotely48:47 Being an agent at the Costa Rica’s Call Center52:45 Looking forward into 202254:42 Ending thoughtshttps://youtu.be/PpYis4GsnPQhttps://youtu.be/zuv2O6nbTDkhttps://youtu.be/94HZBXUHB1Qhttps://youtu.be/uAT_O-uxMDM
  • Growth, Gratitude, and Pinball Machines: CEO Richard Blank’s Leadership. Life's Checkmark Podcast.

    35:34|
    Jon Emery will lead you with captivating conversations designed to inspire you. He explores the guests' most challenging stories to uncover hope and fuel your transformation. Every episode focuses on personal development and the pursuit of success, offering insights that you can apply to your own journey of growth, love, and resilience. You'll explore real stories of physical and mental strength, entrepreneurial struggles and triumphs, and business achievements. With each narrative, you will gain a deeper understanding of mental awareness, spirituality, and faith, helping you along your own path to transformation. This podcast is a powerful guide to becoming the best version of yourself, addressing crucial questions like "How do I change my life?" and "How can I overcome my situation?" Embark on this self-improvement journey and learn how to navigate life's challenges to unlock your true potential.Episode 154.In this episode of Life's Checkmark, I chat with Richard Blank, the dynamic CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard’s story goes from growing up in Philadelphia with a love for Spanish, all the way to building a thriving business in Costa Rica. He talks about breaking the mold, dealing with expectations, and why communication is his secret weapon, plus how he uses everything from neon lights to pinball machines to create a workplace where people truly grow. If you’re ready to hear about betting on yourself and picking up real-world skills you can use anywhere in life, you don't want to miss this!Key Takeaways:Bet on yourself and take bold chancesBuild real language and communication skillsStay humble but persistent in your journeyCreate a company culture that truly supports growthOld-school wisdom still works in business todayChapters:00:02 Introduction & Richard Blank’s Background00:34 Early love of Spanish and cultural lessons01:07 College years and first jobs01:32 Moving to Costa Rica & starting out03:05 Breaking free of expectations04:11 Staying true to yourself and long-term goals05:17 Daily wins and learning05:53 Telemarketing industry insights09:11 How Richard built his business step by step11:53 Separating from the competition13:01 The real art of communication16:04 Handling voicemails & warm leads18:31 Making speech an art and career builder19:22 Coaching young talent for real-life growth20:43 Training with TV & film inspirations21:41 Celebrating people growth and culture23:45 The power of fun at work: pinball & team play27:29 New generations & social shifts28:17 Building company culture that lasts28:51 Episode wrap-up & ways to connect with Richard29:08 Final advice: gratitude, humility, and living fully32:33 Farewellhttps://youtu.be/1pWqCiZCe7Ihttps://youtu.be/uIuEM64Ya4Qhttps://youtu.be/8EtiwcEz-oshttps://youtu.be/20AlQdmvcD8https://youtu.be/WZxJZRu9VRMRichard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
  • A Philadelphia type of interview with a proud native Richard Blank.The Life with Joey Calvo Podcast.

    02:09:37|
    Welcome to "Life with Joey Calvo" These podcasts will cover the spectrum of life from Entertainment to Health to Politics, etc. Each purchase of these podcasts will be used to travel and do celebrity interviews face to face and have fun doing itWelcome to the Life with Joey Calvo Podcast YouTube live stream!!!Today, I am chatting with Richard Blank, a former Philadelphian who started a company from scratch in Costa Rica and has been CEO for Costa Rica's Call Center since 2008.If you love smooth jazz like I do, you really have to check out Eric Essix. He has a new CD out as well as a photo gallery exhibit!!!!Check out Model & Actress Carol Alt. She has awesome health & beauty tips as well as healthy recipes that look so good!!!! Go to www.carolalt.com If you love Wonder Woman, you really have to check out American Fox & DFW Wonder Woman. They are truly beautiful, truly sexy and would be the best friend to turn to with their wisdom, their kindness & their generosity.Follow American Fox, who is not only a real superheroine, but is also this podcast's #1 Fan & #1 supporter!!!!:I’m excited to share a project that’s close to my heart, and I need your support! I’m working on launching a transportation service that will make trips to the casinos more convenient and enjoyable for everyone over 21 in our area. With your help, we can make this dream a reality and provide a fun and safe way to enjoy the excitement of casino gaming.If you believe in supporting local businesses and helping our community thrive.You can be a member of the "Life with Joey Calvo" Podcast by going to https://ko-fi.com/joeycalvohttps://youtu.be/bsVpvtGnjjchttps://youtu.be/MivMP2rWagwhttps://youtu.be/9VXe006A85Ahttps://youtu.be/iIvMLKm9qaYhttps://youtu.be/63cNi-hnHnYhttps://youtu.be/e-kATuiS60sRichard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQLife with Joey Calvo, Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center
  • Katherine Martin-Fisher interview with Richard Blank on Communication. The Beyond Business Podcast.

    42:11|
    Welcome to the Beyond Business Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship and explore the secrets to building a thriving business while maintaining a fulfilling and balanced life. Hosted by Katherine Martin-Fisher, this podcast brings together successful entrepreneurs who share their personal journeys, challenges, and invaluable insights on achieving success in both business and life.Each episode features in-depth conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs from various industries, offering a unique blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for growth. Discover the tactics and mindset shifts that have enabled these business leaders to create companies worth having while balancing the life they truly enjoy.Katherine Martin-Fisher hosts a podcast called "The Beyond Business Podcast," where she interviews entrepreneurs about their journeys and insights on building successful businesses while maintaining a balanced life. The podcast explores the challenges and strategies of entrepreneurship, offering practical advice and inspiring stories from various industries. Join Katherine Martín-Fisher as she chats with Richard Blank about his journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica and the role of cultural language in business. Richard highlights common customer communication pitfalls, offers persuasion insights, and reflects on mentors and techniques that shaped his career. Explore international business expansion challenges, the value of a strong local team, and building ideal relationships. Richard shares advice for his younger self, lessons from mistakes, and his cultural favorites and inspirations. The episode wraps up with thoughts on authentic conversations and how to connect with Richard.(0:00) Introduction by Katherine Martín-Fisher and Guest Richard Blank(1:23) Richard's Journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica and Embracing Cultural Language(6:29) Biggest Mistakes in Customer Communication and Keys to Persuasion(15:19) Richard's Mentors and Communication Techniques(18:53) Challenges and Rewards of International Business Expansion(21:29) Building a Strong Local Team and Ideal Business Relationshipshttps://youtu.be/_JueeUCgQ8chttps://youtube.com/shorts/BN6GJyJgujUhttps://youtube.com/shorts/1xzBcKmnW0Ehttps://youtube.com/shorts/AqaTTmTgaxkhttps://youtube.com/shorts/yFRURGhuz3whttps://youtube.com/shorts/e4jg8M6n2jshttps://youtube.com/shorts/KARDYbLii_Ehttps://youtu.be/aUDIh7yxp2khttps://youtu.be/wdmv7-J_nCUhttps://youtu.be/ir7zL4rK9lMhttps://youtu.be/l3oKpavQ4JQ
  • Host Elizabeth Bieniek interview with a pinball collector CEO Richard Blank.Cake On Tuesday Podcast.

    25:11|
    Cake On Tuesday celebrates innovative leadership that balances growth, grit, and the power of play! We share disruptive innovation tactics sourced from Elizabeth Bieniek's book, "Cake On Tuesday: 25 Lessons to Unlock Corporate Innovation", and elevate the untold stories of everyday disruptors across the business world through the "Cake On Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint" podcast.Cake on Tuesday explores leadership, innovation, and personal growth through Bieniek’s journey leading a stealth startup inside big tech. An inspiring narrative beyond technology, it weaves practical tips with real-world experiences to reveal the heart and stories behind groundbreaking advancements.In Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, we explore the journeys of ambitious entrepreneurs and C-suite executives balancing growth, innovation, and resilience. As leaders in medium-sized, tech-forward organizations (50-500 employees), they are navigating the complexities of scaling without losing sight of their core vision. If you're someone who works hard, plays hard, and is hungry for actionable wisdom on driving innovation through disruption, join us for Cake on Tuesday.From Pinball to Productivity: Revolutionizing Communication in BusinessThe "Cake on Tuesday" podcast featuring Richard Blank is titled "Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint". In this episode, Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, discusses how he leveraged his passion for vintage arcade games into a thriving business. He emphasizes that restoring old games is similar to bringing new energy to a business by making the right adjustments. The podcast also explores themes of team empowerment, communication, and building a strong culture. In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the President and Bilingual Telemarketing Trainer of Costa Rica's Call Center, Richard Blank. Richard shares his innovative approach to telemarketing, emphasizing authentic communication, phonetic microexpressions, and the power of workplace gamification. He discusses building a positive company culture through play, his passion for vintage pinball machines, and the importance of personal connections. Richard also offers practical advice on self-reflection, leadership, and patience in communication, drawing from his experiences in Costa Rica. Turning Passion into Business:Richard Blank transformed his love for vintage arcade games into a successful business venture. Leadership through Empowerment:The podcast highlights how Richard empowers his team to overcome fears and achieve success by focusing on confidence-building and positive communication. Importance of Culture:The episode also touches upon the significance of a strong and performance-driven culture in business, as exemplified by Jon Morris, CEO of Fiscal Advocate.  https://youtu.be/J-pknDhO-xkhttps://youtu.be/bx8ZmfSWmtshttps://youtu.be/-MDYmaPAb9khttps://youtu.be/2_HtYqkEBxYhttps://youtu.be/qyP0OeK-c6o
  • Mastering the Pivot: Richard Blank’s Path to Building a Call-Center Empire.The Beyond Fulfillment Podcast.

    29:37|
    Hosted by Dave Gulas of EZDC 3PL, the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast offers candid conversations with entrepreneurs, startup founders, and small business owners. We dive deep into their journeys, uncovering the real-world challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.The Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, with Dave Gulas of EZDC 3PL, is your weekly dose of real talk with the people actually building successful businesses. We bring you unfiltered conversations with the founders, the dreamers, and the doers who are truly making things happen. We're cutting through the noise to show you what it really takes for business growth.. Think of it as a backstage pass to the entrepreneurial journey —from overcoming tough challenges to celebrating big victories, and every important lesson along the way. Why listen? Because we're exploring various industries, pulling back the curtain on how entrepreneurs like David Meltzer, Brian Esposito, Susan Sly, Darren Jacklin, and Susan Bratton have powered through obstacles, grabbed opportunities, and truly scaled their visions. You'll hear authentic stories that resonate, gain practical advice you can put into action today, and find the motivation to fuel your own growth.In this episode, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard reveals how he went from a Spanish major in Philadelphia to building a thriving business in Central America’s vibrant BPO industry.Richard shares honest insights on overcoming early career uncertainty, breaking free from societal expectations, and capitalizing on his passion for language and culture. Listen as he discusses practical strategies for scaling a business sustainably, building a reliable team, and adapting to seismic changes—such as transitioning from a brick-and-mortar call center to a 100% virtual operation post-pandemic.You’ll hear real-world advice about hiring, retention, and creating a company culture that values both professional growth and personal well-being. Richard also touches on leveraging AI in customer support without losing the human touch—a must-hear for founders balancing technology and service.If you’re searching for proven business growth strategies, leadership lessons, and unfiltered stories about entrepreneurship, hit play and let Richard’s journey inspire you to carve your path. Perfect for anyone interested in call centers, cost-effective scaling, or building a business with heart.https://youtu.be/y0eFQzwD8ashttps://youtu.be/sspOd5u9X7whttps://youtu.be/Uy-pE94Hnnghttps://youtu.be/J7REKIRcTachttps://youtu.be/zfQyTn2TPScRichard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQDave Gulas, The Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center
  • Host and Chef Matthew Gray interview with Richard Blank. A Journey abroad. 50 Tastes of Gray Podcast.

    01:00:19|
    Welcome to 50 Tastes of Gray—where food gets flirty, stories simmer, and conversations are always served with a side of mischief. Aloha friends, I’m Matthew Gray. Tune in for a taste of something intelligent, warm, funny, intriguing, and always satisfying—because life is way too short and way too delicious to miss out on this ChatCast…In this episode of 50 Tastes Of Gray, I sat down with Richard Blank, a dreamer from Northeast Philly who took a one-in-a-million shot and moved to Costa Rica. Richard shares his incredible journey of finding love and starting a business in a new country. From his first encounter with the girl of his dreams to the challenges and triumphs of building a life together in Central America, Richard’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the beauty of embracing new cultures. Richard is smart, very sharp, articulate, old school and new school, a man I admire greatly.Tune in to hear about Richard's experiences in international business, marketing, and the vibrant life in Costa Rica running Costa Rica's Call Center. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about life in Costa Rica, this episode is sure to inspire and entertain.Tune in to hear about Richard's experiences in international business, marketing, and the vibrant life in Costa Rica running Costa Rica's Call Center. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about life in Costa Rica, this episode is sure to inspire and entertain. https://youtu.be/iyLOzskBil8https://youtu.be/Pb176YJ40fQhttps://youtu.be/75gP2iknXQshttps://youtu.be/BVvWv_LA8ukhttps://youtu.be/hz23QlYSn5oRichard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQMatthew Gray, 50 Tastes Of Gray, Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center
  • Host Ronen Chen interview with CEO Richard Blank. Vision, Technology, Innovation and Money podcast.

    29:12|
    In this inspiring episode of On Vision, Technology, Innovation and Money, we sit down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard shares his bold journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica, where he built a thriving business and a life aligned with his values. We dive into his cutting-edge telemarketing techniques, leadership philosophy, the psychology of sales, and even the legendary “Buffer-Boomerang” close. Plus, hear how a childhood dream led him to amass Costa Rica’s largest collection of restored American pinball machines and jukeboxes. A wild mix of vision, grit, and vintage rock’n’roll—don’t miss it!Join technological visionary Ronen Chen as he delves into the world of innovation, technology, and business through engaging conversations with industry experts. Leveraging his expertise in behavioral economics and software development, Ronen explores how these disciplines drive creativity and inspire groundbreaking product ideas within the companies he collaborates with.Ronen Chen is a Serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of successfully launching innovative fintech and web products. Experienced CEO, CTO, and thought leader with extensive expertise in developing cutting-edge technological solutions. Accomplished lecturer and mentor with deep knowledge of organizational development, investor relations, regulatory navigation, and strategic innovation.With over 25 years of leadership in high-tech, I specialize in launching and scaling innovative fintech solutions, AI-driven platforms, and cutting-edge web products. As the founder and CTO of multiple startups, I’ve successfully navigated the challenges of building technologies from the ground up, raising capital, and managing global teams.My academic foundation includes advanced studies in software genetics and applied mathematics, complemented by hands-on expertise in over 20 programming languages. My work spans fintech, blockchain, deep learning, and behavioral science-driven algorithms, with a focus on delivering impactful solutions that optimize processes and drive business growth.https://youtu.be/e9i1IZ8YBGARichard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQRonen chen, Vision, Technology, Innovation and Money podcast, Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center
  • Embracing Change: From Pinball Machines to AI Enhancements. The Valuu Makers Podcast. Richard Blank :

    35:24|
    Valuu Makers is where creators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries turn ideas into impact. Through insightful conversations with industry leaders, we explore innovation in business, technology, and creativity. Whether it's digital workspaces, leadership hacks, or groundbreaking strategies, this podcast equips you with the tools to thrive. If you're ready to create, innovate, and shape the future, join us on Valuu Makers.Valuu Makers is the podcast that explores the true meaning of value.Formerly known as Digital Workspace Works, we continue to delve into the integration of people, processes, and technology, driving productivity and creating real value for businesses and individuals alike. Our episodes feature industry professionals who share their insights and experiences, offering a comprehensive understanding of how they bring value to their business and customers. Sponsored by Valuu AI, we are committed to bringing you valuable content that helps navigate the evolving digital landscape.Navigating the New Work LandscapeRyan Purvis probes into the transformative effects of remote work on business operations. Richard candidly admits, “The labor pool prefers working from home... But I'm old school, I'd like to see people.” While embracing technology, he stresses the irreplaceable value of human interaction and the spontaneity of office conversations. The switchover to cloud-based systems, a critical move for many businesses, also forms a large part of their discussion.Leveraging AI Without Losing HumanityA focal point of their conversation is the role of AI in transforming business practices. Richard sees AI as augmentative rather than replaceable, highlighting its role in enhancing efficiency while preserving the human touch. “The AI can never hug you...or say Happy birthday,” he asserts, advocating for a balanced approach where AI handles routine tasks, leaving humans to build genuine relationships. Ryan, too, stresses this point, noting how AI can simplify tasks, granting more time for personal pursuits.Richard's views are clear: “There’s a lot of entry-level and easily replaceable employees that feel threatened,” he acknowledges, but emphasizes, “If you have skills... companies will still hire you.” It's a reminder that while AI is revolutionizing how we work, it cannot replicate human empathy or creativity.Building a Future with Personal TouchesDespite technological shifts, Richard stresses the importance of empathy and personal connections. “There is no replacement for the satisfaction of a real high-five,” he insists, capturing the essence of human interaction that technology can't replace. His narrative is not just about adapting to change but doing so while cherishing the human elements of his industry.Wrap-up:As Ryan and Richard's conversation draws to a close, the key takeaway is clear: adapt to new technologies while maintaining the human touch that sets businesses apart. For more enriching insights, tune into the episode and explore how to navigate the changing digital workplace.https://youtu.be/RbtEPb2bnhkhttps://youtu.be/hAUdwzbgUuQhttps://youtu.be/_883VllFQKYhttps://youtu.be/MzL_B-NeF50https://youtu.be/G-NErlyzfhg