The Power of Dedicated Practice.#CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing ...

GrowthReady Podcast with Coach Steve Mellor Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth with Richard Blank Welcome to GrowthReady! Unlock Optimal Performance by Developing your Mindset. At GrowthReady ,we partner with executives and organizations committed to achieving transformative growth. About the Episode 237: In this episode of the Growth Ready podcast, Richard Blank shares his inspiring journey from a Spanish major to the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for growth, overcoming fear, and the value of self-respect. Richard discusses his experiences in building a business, navigating challenges, and the significance of mentorship. He also highlights the joy of pursuing personal passions, such as his love for pinball machines, and how they contribute to a fulfilling life. The conversation concludes with insights on maintaining composure in chaos and the journey of growth and fulfillment. Takeaways: -Being growth ready means being fully prepared. -Fear can be a motivator if managed correctly. -Self-respect is crucial for personal growth. -Opportunities often come disguised as challenges. -Building a business requires patience and perseverance. -Passion fuels success in business endeavors. -Mentorship plays a vital role in personal development. -Maintaining composure during chaos is essential. -Self-awareness helps in making informed decisions. -Fulfillment comes from pursuing what you love. An Unconventional Path to Success But this was a gift. It was a long shot that hit. I didn't go to business school. I was a Spanish major at Arizona. But I tell you what, instead of making 100% Richard, I want 1% off of 100 people. And I know I could have done that. I know I can train them like Dick did and be the best swim coach ever alongside you, my brother. And it's the kind of thing where when you meet great men and women, the number one thing you see about them is that they're grounded. Building Connections with Pinball I love pinball machines. And so these agents get to try something they've never had before. And if you come to me, Coach, and you say, I've tried virtual pinball, I'm like, come on. There's a huge difference. And so they really get to feel the machines and see things they would have never experienced before. The main thing, my brother, is when I am downstairs playing the games, not only do they say good morning, jefe, but I get a few shoulder taps. That's, to me, it's professional. That's not, you know, on my personal space. And so people feel comfortable enough with me to compete against me, to see I'm chilling. And it's my one area besides my office and training rooms and the floor where everyone's the same. If you can kick my ass and thimball that day, you win. And so I love that. And also it reduces stress. People see it. When clients come, they see how I treat myself and the people here. And then I call them out. I'm like, hey, Billy, how come you don't have games at your office back in Chicago? Financial Prudence: Act Your Wage Richard, if you can't do it in cash, you just do not do it. Don't overextend yourself. Act your wage. And so that allowed me to have a governor. you know, really to pace myself accordingly. So I wouldn't burn out too fast or hurt myself. And, um, we had multiple setbacks. Sure. I lost my largest client in 2010, but we bought that back and COVID definitely didn't assist. Fulfillment: The Path to Readiness You weren't saying at that point that this isn't something that you can still have. You were just simply saying, I'm not ready right now for it, but because you remained in fulfillment, that's how you eventually get there. You didn't say, I'm not ready, and then go down a completely different path away from the one that you could have potentially been on. You said, I'm not ready right now, but let's stay the course. Let's stay the course and let's pursue fulfillment. Let's find the joy. Let's find the reward in this whole journey, in this road that I'm on. But at some point, acknowledging that that fulfillment is going to get me ready. It's going to get me ready. It's going to allow me to realize one day as I wake up in my fulfillment, you know what? I think now might be the time to take that next step. I think I'm ready for that step now. Had I not pursued fulfillment, how could I have ever truly established readiness for what I wanted? Spot on. It's powerful, man. It's powerful. And this is the stuff that, this is the stuff that, people need to understand is that just because you are comparing and this is where this entire interview now gets to go full circle when you think about the not being afraid, the ability to be fully prepared and making sure that you're keeping those insights and that advice and those influences at an arm's length. The Art of Diplomacy: Conflict Resolution and Relationships You're refreshed. You calm down. You will not send that text. You will realize you overextended yourself. You'll cut an enormous amount of fat. I'm probably going to call the person and go, hey, coach, I'm sorry. I know yesterday I raised my voice. Or I did not take Thursday into consideration. I know that things come up. And it's beautiful how that happens. If you are given a time out, you can gauge how important that relationship is with you. What are you willing to sacrifice for it? Are you willing to give something? Are you willing to have a second round of talking? You know, just to see what happens. So you can save a marriage, a Thanksgiving dinner, or a business relationship. And so if I'm not given the luxury of time, my suggestion is to speak second. And also, if you're having a really tough time face to face with somebody, even if it's someone you love, look here because eyes are like Medusa The Joy of Pinball and Nostalgia I completely relate myself to Tom Hanks in the movie Big. I'm a 17-year-old and a 52-year-old. I grew up in the 70s and 80s, and Ricky Schroeder had a show called Silver Spoons that had one of the coolest arcades, and I was so envious to a Generation X or owning a video game, a machine, or even a pinball machine. It was just so out of reach. So what happens? Recess is the best class in school. You know that. That's where you make your friends and let all steam. And so here I had the space. Fortunately, I had the discretionary income. I had a buddy with a truck and strong arm and back. And I would go on the Craigslist and the Mercado Libres and Don Jose four hours away is selling four of his machines because his arcade is out of business. And I'd go there with the cash. Grab them and come back like a champion. And so it's a wonderful game room. I have the largest collection of pinball machines and retro arcade machines here at the call center in Central America. The Power of Dedicated Practice I love the movie The Karate Kid, the original with Ralph Macchio and Mr. Miyagi. And what I learned at that age was dedicated practice. If you go, it's not when you're in the pool with Dick Schulberg, making you do laps at five in the morning on a Tuesday for school. No, it's the above and beyond. It's on your own time when you are investing in that. And it's almost like when you go to the gym and none of your friends want to go. That's just how it goes, man. You sometimes have to roll solo and get up in the morning and run and exercise. And so by default, I was the only one still doing something. And I still had a work-life balance. I could hang with my friends and have fun. But I found the time to continue this Spanish. And then when I was in high school, I got this recommendation letter from my dedicated Spanish teacher that offset my terrible grades to get me into college. Thank you. And so these were hints along the way. These were exceptionally positive checkpoints. https://youtu.be/hlHDq2IASMY https://youtu.be/WhttSFt1p4c https://youtu.be/qDHh6Ags76U https://youtu.be/Y_N5RvT7IJk https://youtu.be/2VvNuzOwdFs https://youtu.be/NAK2aAzprJQ https://youtu.be/r-wLzfby8qg https://youtu.be/cOiSGxiDxWc GrowthReady , Steve Mellor, 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,trend, trending I'm Steve Mellor, the heart and soul behind GrowthReady formerly known as Career Competitor. Born in England, a former collegiate swimmer at North Carolina State, and an experienced coach, I've dedicated my life to coaching excellence. From guiding Brooks Curry to Olympic Gold to serving as Associate Head Coach at Louisiana State University, my journey has been about unlocking the utmost potential in others. Now, through GrowthReady, I leverage my extensive experience to empower individuals and teams as an Executive Coach and Keynote Speaker. Join me on a transformative journey to reach your utmost capabilities. Let us guide you on the path to peak performance and excellence. What STOPPING you from pursuing your optimal self? The journey to your optimal self begins with a simple yet powerful question: What’s stopping you? Our proven coaching framework, born from the extensive coaching experience of our founder, Steve Mellor, is designed to empower athletes, executives, and business owners alike. We work closely with you to identify your optimal self and develop personalized processes that guide you toward achieving your goals. You don’t ever have to feel unprepared again. EVER. The Guide to The Optimal Self Imagine a time when people relied on horses not just for transportation but as true partners for survival, comfort, and companionship. What if the real strength of those bonds wasn’t simply leading the horse to water, but empowering the horse to find it on its own? At GrowthReady, we believe the same can be true for today’s leaders. While we may rely on modern tools and conveniences, personal and professional growth happens when you embrace the path toward becoming a guide, earning respect, faith, and trust along the way. GrowthReady is here to be that guiding light for you and your team, helping you forge a journey that fosters commitment, perseverance, and a shared vision for growth. Mission and Values GrowthReady partners with you to realize what "optimal self" means for you, both individually and as a team. Our mission centers around enabling senior leaders to create a mindset for sustainable personal and organizational growth. This isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about inspiring others around you to reach new heights and helping your entire organization thrive. Led by our team of Performance Partners, we hold respect, love, faith, and commitment as foundational principles to support your journey. Think about what you truly want for yourself and those around you—personally and professionally. GrowthReady helps you turn those aspirations into reality Why GrowthReady? With over 1,000 hours of coaching and successful partnerships with 20+ companies, GrowthReady has empowered leaders like you to find, pursue, and exceed goals, not only financially but in every aspect that defines success. Founded on the legacy of Career Competitor, GrowthReady has evolved beyond its beginnings as a podcast with over 100,000 downloads. We are now a fully-fledged performance partner, committed to your journey toward becoming your optimal self. We believe being your optimal self isn’t a one-size-fits-all; it’s a journey uniquely defined by your values, strengths, and ambitions. GrowthReady doesn’t define that for you. Instead, we provide the tools, resources, and dedication to help you become your best self, both for you and for those you lead. It all starts with coaching Whether you're an executive, business owner, emerging leader or athlete, we offer personalized strategies to optimize performance and drive sustainable growth. Individual Coaching Group Coaching Leadership Coaching Workshops Find out if you're ready for coaching with GrowthReady today Get to know our founder and head performance partner, Steve Mellor High performance coach, former Olympic swim coach, Author and Founder of GrowthReady one of the world’s leading experts in high-stakes performance. My specialty is PEAK PERFORMANCE under pressure. You may have heard of "leadership coaches" or "mindset trainers" – I’m both. What sets me apart is that I don’t just prepare leaders and athletes for competition, I equip them to thrive when the pressure is at its highest. I’m one of the few who’s done it at the highest levels, and the only one who brings these real-world lessons to unforgettable speaking sessions that empower audiences to rise to any challenge – whether in sports, business, or life. I’ve coached Olympians and top-performing executives, and I LOVE stepping onto the stage to share the tools, mindset, and strategies I’ve developed for breaking through limits and achieving greatness. Bring on the pressure — let’s thrive together! Get to know Steve GrowthReady Podcast Your go-to source for high-performance insights. it's always a good time to start investing in you. Expert interviews with industry leaders Proven strategies to boost performance Advice for personal and professional growth Inspiring stories of resilience and triumph I help those that are capable of greatness get out of their own way and realize their potential Throughout my life, I’ve relentlessly pursued my own potential and have been fortunate enough to inspire thousands of others to do the same. My passion in life is to help you see your potential and deliver the direction and discipline you need to realize it. Because I realize my potential by helping you realize yours! Book Steve For Your Event Shock the world A competitor's guide to realizing your potential Shock the World delivers the ultimate blueprint to elevate your performance, no matter the stakes. Through real-world stories and proven strategies, this captivating read will shift your mindset and show you how to turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth and success. This isn’t just a book. It’s a game plan. Coach Steve Mellor : A Born Competitor and Catalyst for Optimal Performance Steve Mellor Steve Mellor is an accomplished executive coach and business consultant with a rich history of excellence in both sports and corporate leadership. He is the founder and CEO of GrowthReady, a coaching company that specializes in guiding high-stakes executive teams and business owners towards achieving personal and professional growth. Known for his dynamic coaching style, Steve’s unique approach emphasizes the importance of personal investment as a key driver for business success, helping leaders unlock their full potential in high-pressure environments. Before founding GrowthReady, Steve was the driving force behind Career Competitor, a coaching firm that focused on individual career development. This background gave him a deep understanding of what it takes to excel in competitive fields, whether in sports, business, or personal achievement. His extensive experience coaching athletes and executives allows him to navigate complex team dynamics and offer tailored advice to help leaders thrive. Steve’s journey began in the world of elite sports. Originally from England, he rose to international prominence as a top-50 world-ranked swimmer, competing at the highest levels. His dedication to the sport eventually led him to become a celebrated coach, most notably guiding Louisiana State University’s (LSU) first-ever U.S. Olympic swimmer, Brooks Curry. Under Steve's mentorship, Curry’s performance earned a place in the U.S. team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This journey is chronicled in Steve’s book, SHOCK THE WORLD! A Competitor’s Guide to Realizing Your Potential, where he shares insights on building resilience and achieving extraordinary outcomes under pressure. Beyond his accomplishments in sports, Steve has successfully transitioned his competitive mindset to the business world. As a former U.S. Olympic swim coach, Steve draws from the lessons he learned in athletics to help executives and teams perform at the highest level. His coaching philosophy is built on the foundation of competition, discipline, and accountability—qualities that drive leaders to overcome challenges and create sustainable success. His work includes crafting strategies for personal and team growth, cultivating leadership skills, and optimizing team performance for executives and entrepreneurs across industries. Steve is also a podcast host, regularly engaging with leaders and athletes in insightful conversations about personal development and leadership on his GrowthReady Podcast. His engaging and approachable style makes him a sought-after speaker and coach, inspiring business leaders to embrace the competitive edge necessary for success in today's fast-paced world. In addition to his professional achievements, Steve is a devoted husband and father, balancing his demanding career with a strong commitment to family life. His personal and professional life are testament to his philosophy that success requires focus, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Whether in the pool or the boardroom, Steve Mellor’s legacy is defined by his ability to inspire others to reach new heights and unlock their untapped potential. I am passionate about human performance and growth, having spent a lifetime immersed in it across sports and business. My high performance coaching journey began in elite level swimming which peaked in 2021 when becoming a US Olympic Swim coach to LSU swimmings first ever US Olympian, Brooks Curry. Within months, I founded Career Competitor LLC. which started as a coaching business focused on empowering individuals, but quickly grew into something bigger. Within just three years, the demand for my coaching style led to an exciting evolution - rebranding as GrowthReady - to better serve, organizations and leaders ready to embrace their full potential. With GrowthReady, our mission is to work with organizations as a “Performance Partner” by serving executives and key leaders in providing high-performance coaching designed to fuel growth and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that come with it. With a truly complimentary roster of performance partners at our disposal we can empower clients to unlock their best selves and achieve transformational results. Outside of work, I’m a devoted husband to Britney, father to Ella & Jake, avid health & fitness junky, and all around believer in making the most of the life we have. Helping others invest in their potential isn’t just a profession for me—it’s a passion that drives everything I do. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United State GrowthReady , Steve Mellor, 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,trend, trending 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 employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. With a mix of motivational public speaking style backed by tactful and appropriate rhetoric, Richard shared his knowledge and trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers. CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center since February 2008. Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level. Hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies. We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry. https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/ #GrowthReady #SteveMellor #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending https://youtu.be/hlHDq2IASMY