Monday, August 11, 2025
What Happens When You Ditch the American Dream for a Real One?
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.
At just 27, Richard left everything behind to follow a calling—and ended up building not just a successful company, but a life deeply aligned with his values. This powerful conversation dives into bilingual leadership, the courage to start over, and the mindset shifts required for authentic success.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader in transition, or someone seeking a life with more meaning—this episode is for you.
⸻
🔑 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