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