Welcome to the Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, the go-to show for high-performing business owners, executives, and professionals who aspire to elevate their personal, professional, and financial lives. Hosted by Michael Mannino Sr. and Nareman Hamdan, each episode dives deep into the inspiring stories and invaluable insights of top industry

Welcome to the Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, the go-to show for high-performing business owners, executives, and professionals who aspire to elevate their personal, professional, and financial lives. Hosted by Michael Mannino Sr. and Nareman Hamdan, each episode dives deep into the inspiring stories and invaluable insights of top industry leaders who have navigated the complex landscape of success with drive and determination.

From leadership strategies and innovative business tactics to personal growth and financial acumen, our guests share their unscripted journeys to success, offering listeners practical advice and motivation to reach new heights.

Join us on Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, where we celebrate the relentless pursuit of excellence and empower you to achieve greatness in every facet of your life. Subscribe now and get ready to be inspired, challenged, and driven to succeed!

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, hosts Mike Mannino Sr. and Nareman Hamdan sit down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. From Philadelphia roots to building a thriving business in Central America, Richard’s story is about resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take the “tortoise approach” in life and business.

Richard shares why self-analysis is the key to self-awareness and how leaders can use reflection, empathy, and authenticity to build stronger teams. He opens up about:

How studying Spanish shaped his career and led him to Costa Rica

Why hiring for attitude beats hiring for skill

How pinball machines and arcade games became a secret weapon for reducing turnover

The importance of asking the right questions in interviews to uncover real character

How self-analysis, empathy, and authenticity drive both personal and professional growth

This week’s guest is Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard’s story takes us from Philadelphia to Costa Rica, where he built a company grounded in resilience, empathy, and authenticity.

In our conversation, he shares why self-analysis drives self-awareness, why he hires for attitude before skill, and how pinball machines and arcade games have become part of his unique workplace culture.

It’s an inspiring episode you won’t want to miss!

https://youtu.be/PVQNxb_aKIY?si=5ZH8CSntnKVPLW5a

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https://youtube.com/shorts/RbWy2leJlvY

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest business insights, marketing breakthroughs, and entrepreneurial real talk. Hosted by Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge and a digital marketing veteran who's helped scale everything from scrappy startups to Fortune 500 giants, this podcast dives deep into what’s really moving the needle in today’s marketing world. Find us at Marketsurge.io Each week, we’ll break down the latest marketing and business news (minus the fluff), explore tech trends you actually need to know, and feature unfiltered conversations with the most interesting minds in entrepreneurship and marketing.

Welcome to MarketSurge!

Are you a small business owner, marketing professional, or entrepreneur looking to elevate your marketing game? You're in the right place. At MarketSurge, we simplify and demonstrate the value of marketing automation, making it accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes.

Stay Ahead in Marketing: Get the latest automation strategies tailored for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Step-by-Step Tutorials: Our practical, easy-to-follow guides and real use-cases help you implement automation strategies effortlessly.

Community Insights: Join a thriving community of like-minded professionals sharing insights, tips, and success stories.

Latest Tech Updates: Stay up-to-date with the newest advancements in marketing technology.

Join us at MarketSurge and revolutionize the way you approach marketing. Subscribe now to never miss an upda

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Blank, founder and CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center.

From Northeast Philly to San José, Richard shares his journey of betting on himself, moving abroad, and building a thriving nearshore BPO from a one-seat operation to a company that now powers:

Inbound customer support

Lead generation

Appointment setting

Sales training & coaching

He’s trained over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers, launched a telemarketing school, and even infused gamification into company culture with retro arcade pinball, jukeboxes, and air hockey. His story is one of grit, creativity, and a relentless belief in the art of communication.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to scale a business without outside investment, how to build culture in unexpected industries, or how traditional call centers adapt in the era of AI — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Richard left Philadelphia at age 27 to pursue a short-term gig that turned into a 19-year business journey.

How he grew Costa Rica’s Call Center without outside investors, staying lean and resourceful.

The unique coaching and training methods he’s developed after analyzing 10,000+ calls.

Why empathy, soft skills, and gamification are still critical in the call center industry.

How human connection outperforms AI when it comes to building trust and saving clients.

https://youtu.be/K76hk_ikwNA

https://youtu.be/8H_yWh1hHFg

https://youtu.be/A9pe8y4lEf8

https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/episodes/telemarketing-reinvented-richard-blank-s-journey-to-building-costa-rica-s-call-center

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Happens When You Ditch the American Dream for a Real One?

Rosabel Unscripted Podcast

Welcome to Rosabel Unscripted podcast where meaningful conversations unfold. Join Rosabel Zohfeld, nurse practitioner, writer, and mom, as she explores personal growth, health insights, literature, and impactful life stories. Featuring guests who share their unique perspectives, Rosabel dives into the unscripted moments that shape our lives. Tune in for inspiring, authentic, and educational discussions on the beauty and complexity of life.

What does it really take to start over in a new country—and build a *business* from the ground up? In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, host Rosabel Zohfeld sits down with Richard Blank, *CEO* of Costa Rica’s Call Center, to explore his incredible journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Richard left Philadelphia to chase purpose in Costa Rica

• The power of being bilingual in global business

• How courage and self-trust lead to authentic success

• The difference between building for ego vs. building for values

• Insights into creating a positive work culture

• What it takes to reinvent your life—at any age

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 The Weight of Wisdom

01:00 Richard’s journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica and the challenges he faced

05:30 The importance of being bilingual and how it opened doors for Richard

12:45 Building a business aligned with personal values rather than societal expectations

15:00 💬 “Life is all about starting and reinventing ourselves.”

20:15 The role of courage and self-trust in personal and professional growth

22:20 Human Connection in Healthcare

25:12 Cultural Perspectives on Care

25:45 💬 “If you think it’s plug and play and it’s easy like they show in Hollywood, you’re out of your mind.”

27:54 The Call Center Experience

30:00 Insights into Richard’s leadership style and the culture at Costa Rica’s Call Center

30:41 Nostalgia and Childhood Memories

33:31 The Evolution of Technology and Play

39:45 Childhood Mischief and Apologies

42:19 Growing Up in the 80s: A Nostalgic Reflection

43:35 Teaching Children Appreciation for What They Have

45:42 The Value of Imagination in Play

48:32 Handmade Gifts vs. Store-Bought: The Personal Touch

50:21 Exploring Human History and the Impact of Technology

51:43 Personal Stories of Growth and Learning from Mistakes

58:37 Childhood Adventures and Mischief

01:00:56 Parenting Reflections and Generational Insights

01:03:40 Community and Generosity

01:05:34 Adopting a Child: A New Perspective

01:06:46 Inspiration and Creativity

01:14:21 Embracing Authenticity and Uniqueness

https://youtu.be/zO7bPzXo9Sg

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Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ

Richard Blank produced a Rap Breakdancing video commercial

https://youtu.be/GQvGZYcX71s?si=3I6N3p-LVxwTvnh2

Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, Rosabel Zohfeld , Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing, BPO, Nearshore, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business,Podcast,Gamification,Leadership,Marketing, Radio, Guest, Money, education, trainer,

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empowerment Extend is a dynamic podcast hosted by Carinder, dedicated to amplifying voices, exploring diverse perspectives, and fostering conversations that inspire personal growth and community impact. The podcast serves as a platform to discuss topics ranging from leadership, inclusion, and mental health to innovation and advocacy. Through engaging interviews with thought leaders, change-makers, and passionate individuals, Empowerment Extend aims to motivate listeners to embrace their potential, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change in their lives and the world around them.

We’re so excited to introduce our new project: the Empowerment Extend Podcast, where we explore disability, inclusion, and empowerment for all. At Empowerment Extend, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard. Our mission is to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Together, Carinder & Sarah bring real, honest conversations about what true inclusion really means — in workplaces, communities, and everyday life. We share inspiring stories, practical tips, and powerful insights to help us build a more inclusive world. Whether you’re a disability advocate, an ally, or simply passionate about creating a society where everyone can thrive, this podcast is for you.

Join us as we explore the essential techniques for effective communication*. Discover how to express your ideas clearly, listen actively, and build meaningful connections. This episode is packed with *practical tips and insights to help you communicate with confidence and impact.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of active listening

Strategies for clear and concise expression

How to build rapport and engage your audience

Overcoming common communication barriers

https://youtu.be/UAhEuk3Fxhg

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https://youtube.com/shorts/G1dK07FR580

Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ

Empowerment Extend, Carinder Malhi, Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing, BPO, Nearshore, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business,Podcast,Gamification,Leadership,Marketing, Radio, Guest, Money, education, trainer,

Carinder (carin) Malhi

Went to College of Broadcasting Abeokuta

Studied at Gaston College Audio/Video Tech and Sports Media Tech

Singapore

From Staines, United Kingdom

4+ years experienced Video editing

Engineer highly skilled in Vido editing

development, testing, documentation

etc. across the complete development

the life cycle of a product. Adept at the end to

end software design & development

including requirement gathering,

documentation, infrastructure setup,

coding & unit & integration testing.

Handles complex project

management & coordination work

very efficiently to deliver results.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of “What The Why?!? originally aired on the RVN Television Network which is now KnetStream. While these shows are currently available on KnetStream, we are happy to share these edited versions of meaningful conversations for additional reflection and impact.

"What The Why?!?" hosted by Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills. It's a show where she interviews various leaders about their "why" – their purpose and what drives them.

In our fourth season, our show features conversations with a wide variety of leaders from all walks of life about why they do what they do and how they figured things out.

The first three seasons of the show, known as "What The Why?!? with Barbara Anne," are also available on select platforms and KnetStream.com."

https://youtu.be/20zcT3hxwQA

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What The Why, Barbara Anne, Richard Blank,Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing, BPO, Nearshore, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business,Podcast,Gamification,Leadership,Marketing, Radio, Guest, Money, education, trainer,

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by the trailblazing Rose Davidson, a mentor and strategist with an undeniable knack for spotlighting thought leaders, the podcast has become an essential resource for service-based entrepreneurs aiming to dominate their niche. With a prolific portfolio of over 500 expert interviews, the show offers invaluable insights into an array of disciplines be it marketing, technology, wellness, or leadership.

What sets "Talking with the Experts" apart is its commitment to not just inform, but to empower. Each episode is a masterclass in itself, meticulously curated to provide actionable steps for achieving greatness in your professional life. Tune in to tap into a wellspring of knowledge, replete with strategies, tips, and real-world advice that can catapult your brand to the forefront of your industry.

Richard Blank: Business Process Outsourcing

Master advanced telemarketing and customer service soft skills with Richard Blank. Learn techniques to enhance customer retention, drive sales, and foster business growth.

At the Talking with the Experts Online Business Summit, Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica's Call Centre, will share his expertise in telemarketing and customer service soft skills. With years of experience leading a top-performing call centre, Richard has mastered the art of advanced communication techniques that drive customer retention, boost sales, and foster long-term business growth.

In this insightful session, Richard will delve into the essential role of soft skills in customer interactions. Attendees will learn how to use rhetoric and emotional intelligence to build trust, handle objections, and create meaningful connections with customers. Richard will also share actionable tips for improving customer service delivery, ensuring every touchpoint leaves a lasting positive impression.

With a focus on retention and growth, this presentation is perfect for business owners, sales teams, and customer support professionals looking to take their communication strategies to the next level. Richard will cover proven techniques for enhancing call centre performance, from tone and phrasing to understanding customer needs and expectations. His strategies can be applied across industries to improve engagement, build loyalty, and achieve measurable results.

Through real-world examples and practical advice, Richard demonstrates how advanced telemarketing and customer service skills are essential for retaining customers and driving success in todays competitive market. Under his leadership, Costa Rica's Call Centre has become a shining example of excellence, thanks to its commitment to empowering employees and delivering outstanding customer experiences.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not your typical call Center that you used to

communication is the key respect is a virtue

18 and over any age demographic

if you qualified you're hired simple mathematics

play some vintage videos before your shift begins

increase your sales metrics it all depends

you want success you got to earn it nothing comes easy

honesty and integrity quality over quantity

Rich is the president Grace the first lady

17 years in a business longevity obviously

read every script verbatim rules and guidelines

located in San three blocks from the train line

dress code normal conduct pivotal

we stay motivated but mostly professional

the best workers when we working in teams

send in your resume now fulfill your dreams

they might call you for an interview in a week or two

Costa Rica's call center I got a call coming through

"the reason for my call is that we specialize in mobile applications I noticed that you come is interested in mobile application Solutions at Costa Rico's call center we excel in creating custom mobile apps that boost user engagement and streamline business operations"

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Rap, Breakdancing, commercial, Yeik Lawson Rodríguez, GblackDaBest, Naomi Alvarez, Kallany Ferllini, 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Blank

This 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 Presentation

1:35 Fortune Favors the Brave: The beginning of a Call Center Journey

3:14 People and moments that made you start your call center career

5:04 How do you build a call center culture and grow call center agents

08:03 Addressing conflicts within the call center**

10:41 Adequate Training for Omnichannel Personalization

13:54 The Engagement Toolkit to Fight Attrition

17:05 Rhetoric and Phonetic Delivery: The Secret sauce of a Phone Call

26:54 AD

28:54 What Got Taken Away During COVID

32:41 Old School Retro Gaming Turned Into Gamification

38:40 The 30s Rule Technique

42:22 Positive outcomes after Covid

46:36 Keeping up with the team remotely

48:47 Being an agent at the Costa Rica’s Call Center

52:45 Looking forward into 2022

54:42 Ending thoughts

https://youtu.be/PpYis4GsnPQ

https://youtu.be/zuv2O6nbTDk

https://youtu.be/94HZBXUHB1Q

https://youtu.be/uAT_O-uxMDM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.