the Beyond Business Podcast guest Richard Blank Costa Ricas Call Center ...

The Beyond Business Podcast. Katherine Martin-Fisher interview with Richard Blank on Communication. 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 Relationships (24:18) Reflecting on Advice to Younger Self and Learning from Mistakes (29:07) Richard's Cultural Favorites and Personal Achievements (34:26) Inspirational Literature and Personal Interests (39:24) Authentic Conversations and Contacting Richard Blank https://youtu.be/_JueeUCgQ8c https://youtube.com/shorts/BN6GJyJgujU Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ The Beyond Business Podcast, Katherine Martin-Fisher, 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 Richard Blank, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares a perspective that's not just about starting a business—it's about mastering the art of cross-cultural communication. The usual advice? Know the laws, get a local attorney, maybe an accountant. But Richard takes it further, suggesting that you need to surround yourself with a team in it for the long game. This isn't your typical checklist; it's about building a network that can save you money and offer invaluable advice. Too many entrepreneurs rush into international ventures unprepared, thinking they can navigate these waters solo. But Richard argues for patience and strategy—taking the time to find allies who understand the local landscape can make or break your venture. And it's not just about business success; it's about the cultural exchange, the spice you add to their stew and vice versa, leading to a fusion of ideas that can propel your business to new heights. It's a wake-up call for anyone thinking they can do it all alone in a foreign market. Are you ready to accept that challenge and see what a different world can teach you about your own? We sat down with Richard Blank to uncover his unique approach to navigating international business success – and it's not what you'd expect. Richard didn't rely solely on classroom learning to master Spanish. Instead, he immersed himself in the language through movies, books, and conversations. This wasn't just about learning a language; it was about embracing a culture. It's a lesson in going beyond the conventional to achieve clarity and reduce stress in cross-cultural communication. Richard's experience shows that preparation and passion can turn daunting challenges into manageable tasks. His story challenges the typical narrative that stress is an inevitable part of cross-cultural business. Maybe, just maybe, the key to reducing stress lies in embracing the unfamiliar and letting passion guide your path. How do you approach cross-cultural communication in your business? Ever considered that your business mentors might just be found in the unlikeliest of places? Richard Blank, on the latest episode of The Beyond Business Podcast, takes us on a nostalgic journey to uncover some unconventional mentors: TV characters from the '80s! From the suave Templeton Peck of The A-Team to the debonair Remington Steele, and even the astute Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes, Richard suggests that the art of communication and business acumen can be learned from these fictional icons. It's not just about the entertainment; it's about studying their rhetoric, their style, and their confidence. This isn't your typical business advice, but maybe it should be. Because sometimes, the best lessons come wrapped in the nostalgia of a VCR tape. So, are you ready to hit rewind and learn from the past? Listen to the full episode and discover how '80s TV can shape your business mindset. We live in a world where business isn't confined by borders, yet many entrepreneurs still hesitate to take the leap. Richard Blank argues that stepping outside your comfort zone and into international waters can be the most rewarding journey you'll ever embark on. He's got a point. When you expand your business beyond your home country, it’s not just about the legalities or the logistics. It's about immersing yourself in a new culture, learning from it, and allowing it to shape your business in ways you never imagined. Richard stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with local experts—attorneys, accountants, HR specialists—who can guide you and help you make informed decisions. But here’s the kicker: being a foreigner in a new land can sharpen your instincts. It’s like adding a new spice to your business stew, enhancing the flavor and creating a unique blend of ideas. It’s not just about bringing your business to a new place, but about blending two worlds to create something extraordinary. Richard challenges entrepreneurs to embrace this cultural exchange and use it as a tool for innovation and growth. It’s about seeing your business through a different lens and letting that perspective drive you to new heights. Are you ready to add a new spice to your business stew and explore the world beyond your borders? We sat down with Richard Blank to explore the often-overlooked art of cross-cultural communication in business. You might think you're a great communicator, but are you really listening? Richard believes that businesses often miss the mark by pushing ideas without understanding if it's what the customer truly wants. He advises against compromising ethics or peace of mind for a client that doesn't align with your values. It's a bold stance, but isn't it time we consider it? Hollywood might glamorize call centers with movies like 'The Wolf of Wall Street', but Richard insists there's a world of difference between aggressive sales tactics and genuine relationship-building. Authenticity in communication is like a painting with visible brushstrokes, not a polished print. Richard's approach? Engage in the moment, love the now, and focus on building relationships through the art of conversation. It's about the magic that happens when you connect on a human level, not just closing a deal. Is it time to rethink our strategies and stop forcing squares into circles? Listen to the full episode to discover how to transform your business communication strategy. Richard Blank dropped some serious wisdom on the latest episode of The Beyond Business Podcast, and it's making me rethink how I approach my own life decisions. He talks about the importance of not being too hard on yourself for choices you made when you were younger. After all, how can you compare the decisions made at 12 to those at 52? Richard's journey is anything but ordinary. At 26, he faced a crossroads: stay in the U.S. or move to Costa Rica. He chose the road less traveled, and it wasn't just about chasing a dream—it was about mental and physical survival. He speaks to the hero's journey we all have, where we leave the comfort of the castle, slay dragons, and save the princess. It's a refreshing take on embracing your path and not succumbing to guilt or self-doubt. Richard suggests simple routines like making your bed, working out, or even washing your car as ways to reconnect with yourself and avoid getting stuck in the grind. Are you willing to take the road less traveled and slay your own dragons? Join Katherine Martin-Fisher as she unpacks the strategies and lessons learned by her guests, revealing the untold stories behind their entrepreneurial endeavors. From overcoming obstacles and embracing change to fostering resilience and maintaining work-life balance, each conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. Beyond Business Podcast is not just about achieving success in the traditional sense; it's about exploring the intersection of business and personal fulfillment. By showcasing real-life examples of entrepreneurs who have found harmony between their professional and personal lives, this podcast empowers listeners to create a life that aligns with their values and aspirations. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply seeking inspiration for a more balanced and fulfilling life, the Beyond Business Podcast is your essential guide to unlocking the secrets of entrepreneurial success and personal happiness. Tune in for engaging conversations, actionable insights, and the motivation you need to take your business and life to new heights. Our Audience Target Audience: Aspiring entrepreneurs: Individuals who are considering starting their own business and seeking inspiration, guidance, and practical advice on balancing entrepreneurship with personal fulfillment. Startup founders: Entrepreneurs in the early stages of building their companies, looking for insights on achieving a healthy work-life balance while growing their businesses. Small business owners: Owners of established small businesses seeking strategies for maintaining a balanced life while managing and expanding their ventures. Business professionals: Individuals working in the business world who are interested in entrepreneurship and learning from the experiences of successful business owners. Personal development enthusiasts: Individuals who are passionate about self-improvement, personal growth, and finding harmony between their professional and personal lives. Work-life balance seekers: Individuals who are struggling to find balance in their lives and are looking for practical tips and inspiration from entrepreneurs who have achieved a sense of harmony. Career transitioners: Individuals considering a career change or transition into entrepreneurship, seeking guidance and motivation to take the leap. The Beyond Business Podcast targets a diverse audience of individuals who share a common interest in entrepreneurship, personal fulfillment, and achieving balance in their lives. By providing engaging conversations and actionable insights from successful entrepreneurs, the podcast aims to empower and inspire listeners to create a life that aligns with their values and aspirations. What We Are Looking For In A Guest Ideal Guests: Successful entrepreneurs: Founders and CEOs of thriving businesses who have achieved a harmonious balance between their professional and personal lives, sharing their strategies and lessons learned. Business authors and thought leaders: Experts in entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development, offering insights on balancing business success with personal fulfillment. Life coaches and mentors: Professionals who specialize in helping individuals achieve work-life balance and personal growth, providing practical tools and guidance for listeners. Wellness entrepreneurs: Founders of businesses in the wellness and mindfulness space, discussing the importance of self-care and mental well-being for entrepreneurs. Female and minority entrepreneurs: Successful business owners from diverse backgrounds, sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on balancing entrepreneurship with personal life. Work-life balance advocates: Influencers, bloggers, or public figures who actively promote the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance. Business professors and researchers: Academics with expertise in entrepreneurship and work-life balance, offering data-driven insights and findings from their research. Successful freelancers and solopreneurs: Individuals who have built thriving businesses while maintaining a balanced lifestyle, sharing their strategies and experiences. Mental health professionals: Therapists, psychologists, or counselors who can provide insights on managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining mental well-being as an entrepreneur. Ideal guests for the Beyond Business Podcast are those who have valuable knowledge and experiences to share on the importance of balancing entrepreneurship with personal fulfillment. By providing diverse perspectives and practical advice, these guests can inspire and guide listeners to create a life that aligns with their values and aspirations. As a Grant Cardone 10x Certified Business Coach, I am excited to help businesses scale by helping them solve their 3 main problems. 1. Cash Flow 2. Sales 3. Marketing As a bonus: 4. Company Culture We do this through using 1. Proven learning systems 2. Accountability 3. Community of like minded business owners with Big Think Mindset and bringing them together. Through collaboration and Mastermind groups. 4. Showing you how to create targets and hit or exceed them. 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, he shared his knowledge and trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica s Call Center since 2008. Richard Blank has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Rockola Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. 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. 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/ #TheBeyondBusinessPodcast #KatherineMartinFisher #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest.#CostaRicaCallCenter #LifeReinvention #SalesLeadership #PinballCEO #TelemarketingMastery #PodcastEpisode

The Beyond Business Podcast. Katherine Martin-Fisher interview with Rich...

The Beyond Business Podcast. Katherine Martin-Fisher interview with Richard Blank on Communication. 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 Relationships (24:18) Reflecting on Advice to Younger Self and Learning from Mistakes (29:07) Richard's Cultural Favorites and Personal Achievements (34:26) Inspirational Literature and Personal Interests (39:24) Authentic Conversations and Contacting Richard Blank https://youtu.be/_JueeUCgQ8c Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ The Beyond Business Podcast, Katherine Martin-Fisher, 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

Mastering Effective Communication Techniques

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

Why Zig and Zag: Be Uniquely Yourself. #speech #rhetoric #business #sale...

Cake On Tuesday Podcast. Host Elizabeth Bieniek interview with a pinball collector CEO Richard Blank 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 Business The "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. In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the CEO 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. In the latest episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, shares how promoting from within is a strategy that not only fosters trust but also keeps attrition lowCEO Richard Blank talks about overcoming fear in the call center environment. By shifting language and fostering confidence, Richard shows how leaders can create a fresh start and transform their team’s mindset. Richard shared a truly unique perspective on business and leadership—how restoring 40-year-old arcade machines teaches valuable lessons in innovation and adaptation. "You open up these dusty, old machines, and with the right parts, you can bring them back to life. It's the same as what we do in business—injecting new energy into old systems." – Richard Blank By establishing a fresh approach and guiding his team through positive escalations, Richard shows how any leader can inspire and motivate their team to success. Pro tip: "Fear is just morbid anticipation." Learn how Richard's unique leadership style is changing the game in call center management. How Pinball Machines Power Workplace Joy Of course, the first rule that I know is you never ask a lady their age. And so I'm going to refer to myself. I'm a Generation X. And I grew up in the 70s and 80s. And one of the coolest places in the world was the arcade, especially Flynn's in the movie Tron. But when you're a little kid, five bucks has to last you a full day. And those pinball machines were 50 cents and expensive and fast. And they were beautiful. So what happens? Fast forward, and here I am in Costa Rica. I got the space. I got the cash. And a lot of these places were going out of business. So I'd say, yo, Elizabeth, let's get Tommy, Joey, and Billy, and let's grab some money, get the truck, and drive the Perez Zeledon about three hours away. We'll meet with Don Jose, open up the bodega, and he's got these beautiful machines that are sitting there that are just dusty. These machines are 40 years old. What happens? There's corrosion because of the Central America humidity. It's not finished. All you do is replace certain parts behind the marquee, order it from Markle Specialties for $500. All of a sudden your machine's working again. And so I knew the value and I started collecting and one turned into three to five and now it's 11 machines. But I tell you what, the air hockey table, the Pac-Man, the pinball, It's a beautiful, happy medium for people to let off steam, recharge batteries. It's running in place at the light compared to icing a kicker at a football game. It's momentum. You're not stopping. And so instead of in the lunchroom, you're on your phone looking at Japanese anime or having that fifth cigarette. Come hang out in the game room with me and Elizabeth. Let's go play some air hockey. Shattering Fear with Empowerment on Day One The first time is I got to let them know that fear is that morbid anticipation. So I initially established myself by saying, hey, have you ever met a CEO of a call center? Maybe two out of 10 raised their hand. I'm like, okay, maybe you see that I'm giving you a clean slate like myself. Let's start strong. Don't blame me on what happened on your last job. So they start looking at me. And secondly, we talk about, you know, since English is my first language, let me give them a gift. Let's remove words like help and put in assist guide and lend a hand. Instead of saying, excuse me, I'm sorry, why don't we change it with for my clarification? I'll teach them the military alphabet that day. I will share with them how to do positive escalations. Solving Problems with Communication Mastery I think a lot of the world's problems can be solved by communication. I wasn't going to go here first, but now I'm curious, this phonetic micro-expression reading, can we go into this a little bit? What is this and how did this become a topic that you are an expert on? I appreciate this. Expert is time, 10,000 hours, as they say. And so for me, I didn't walk into this being an expert. I've never written a book like yourself, which are amazing. And there are people that have been published or their words are quoted. And so for me, I'm just looking at a controlled environment, almost like a focus group. And after 10,000 phone calls, you may see a pattern. And so I believe, in fact, I Cherish, the genius communicator Helen Keller that was able to create a language and was able to connect with people through multiple mediums. Why Zig and Zag: Be Uniquely Yourself The greatest thing to do is to zig and zag, loosey-goosey. And remember that there's 10% wildcard in this world. A lot of people write you to get on your podcast. but there must have been one or two or hopefully three anchors that I shared with you about myself that separated me from others, that got your interest and enabled me to be here today. And so if you think you're gonna be somebody else, fine, wear your suit, drive your fancy car and be in your penthouse place. But just like in Rocky, he had a better training in Rocky III when he was in that old gym with Apollo https://youtu.be/J-pknDhO-xk https://youtu.be/bx8ZmfSWmts https://youtu.be/-MDYmaPAb9k https://youtu.be/2_HtYqkEBxY https://youtu.be/qyP0OeK-c6o Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Elizabeth Bieniek, Cake On Tuesday, 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 Who This Podcast is For: Leaders in Action: Entrepreneurs and executives from mid-sized organizations, especially in the tech space, seeking to branch out and innovate without jeopardizing their existing base. Growth-Oriented Professionals: Mid-career leaders tackling the challenges of scaling while managing high-stakes disagreements, hiring innovators, and avoiding burnout. Strivers for Sustainable Success: Those seeking practical strategies and frameworks to recharge, protect their teams, and foster joy in leadership while navigating chaos. Each episode of Cake on Tuesday is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and mindsets needed for lifelong growth. From building resilient teams, to embracing constructive disagreement, to protecting your people and yourself, this podcast delivers battle-tested lessons on how to lead with grit, creativity, and the ability to find joy in it all. About Elizabeth Elizabeth Bieniek is an author, speaker, and consultant focused on “good peopling” as the secret to exceptional execution. As a founder and Fortune 100 innovation and engineering leadership veteran, her expertise lies in challenging assumptions, embracing diverse perspectives, and leading through ambiguity to build empowered, resilient teams that last. ​ Named Toptal’s 10 most influential “Female Pioneers in Technology,” she has spoken on bridging the gap between human connection and innovation at EmTech NEXT, Chatham House, ITEXPO, AWE, and the Global AI Community. Her leadership and innovation philosophy have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Inc., International Business Times, Tech Times and Women in Business. 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, he shared his knowledge and trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica s Call Center since 2008. Richard Blank has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Rockola Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. 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. 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/ #ElizabethBieniek #CakeOnTuesday #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest.#CostaRicaCallCenter #LifeReinvention #SalesLeadership #PinballCEO #TelemarketingMastery #PodcastEpisode

Solving Problems with Communication Mastery. #business #sales #callcente...

Cake On Tuesday Podcast. Host Elizabeth Bieniek interview with a pinball collector CEO Richard Blank 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 Business The "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. In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the CEO 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. In the latest episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, shares how promoting from within is a strategy that not only fosters trust but also keeps attrition lowCEO Richard Blank talks about overcoming fear in the call center environment. By shifting language and fostering confidence, Richard shows how leaders can create a fresh start and transform their team’s mindset. Richard shared a truly unique perspective on business and leadership—how restoring 40-year-old arcade machines teaches valuable lessons in innovation and adaptation. "You open up these dusty, old machines, and with the right parts, you can bring them back to life. It's the same as what we do in business—injecting new energy into old systems." – Richard Blank By establishing a fresh approach and guiding his team through positive escalations, Richard shows how any leader can inspire and motivate their team to success. Pro tip: "Fear is just morbid anticipation." Learn how Richard's unique leadership style is changing the game in call center management. How Pinball Machines Power Workplace Joy Of course, the first rule that I know is you never ask a lady their age. And so I'm going to refer to myself. I'm a Generation X. And I grew up in the 70s and 80s. And one of the coolest places in the world was the arcade, especially Flynn's in the movie Tron. But when you're a little kid, five bucks has to last you a full day. And those pinball machines were 50 cents and expensive and fast. And they were beautiful. So what happens? Fast forward, and here I am in Costa Rica. I got the space. I got the cash. And a lot of these places were going out of business. So I'd say, yo, Elizabeth, let's get Tommy, Joey, and Billy, and let's grab some money, get the truck, and drive the Perez Zeledon about three hours away. We'll meet with Don Jose, open up the bodega, and he's got these beautiful machines that are sitting there that are just dusty. These machines are 40 years old. What happens? There's corrosion because of the Central America humidity. It's not finished. All you do is replace certain parts behind the marquee, order it from Markle Specialties for $500. All of a sudden your machine's working again. And so I knew the value and I started collecting and one turned into three to five and now it's 11 machines. But I tell you what, the air hockey table, the Pac-Man, the pinball, It's a beautiful, happy medium for people to let off steam, recharge batteries. It's running in place at the light compared to icing a kicker at a football game. It's momentum. You're not stopping. And so instead of in the lunchroom, you're on your phone looking at Japanese anime or having that fifth cigarette. Come hang out in the game room with me and Elizabeth. Let's go play some air hockey. Shattering Fear with Empowerment on Day One The first time is I got to let them know that fear is that morbid anticipation. So I initially established myself by saying, hey, have you ever met a CEO of a call center? Maybe two out of 10 raised their hand. I'm like, okay, maybe you see that I'm giving you a clean slate like myself. Let's start strong. Don't blame me on what happened on your last job. So they start looking at me. And secondly, we talk about, you know, since English is my first language, let me give them a gift. Let's remove words like help and put in assist guide and lend a hand. Instead of saying, excuse me, I'm sorry, why don't we change it with for my clarification? I'll teach them the military alphabet that day. I will share with them how to do positive escalations. Solving Problems with Communication Mastery I think a lot of the world's problems can be solved by communication. I wasn't going to go here first, but now I'm curious, this phonetic micro-expression reading, can we go into this a little bit? What is this and how did this become a topic that you are an expert on? I appreciate this. Expert is time, 10,000 hours, as they say. And so for me, I didn't walk into this being an expert. I've never written a book like yourself, which are amazing. And there are people that have been published or their words are quoted. And so for me, I'm just looking at a controlled environment, almost like a focus group. And after 10,000 phone calls, you may see a pattern. And so I believe, in fact, I Cherish, the genius communicator Helen Keller that was able to create a language and was able to connect with people through multiple mediums. https://youtu.be/J-pknDhO-xk https://youtu.be/bx8ZmfSWmts https://youtu.be/-MDYmaPAb9k https://youtu.be/2_HtYqkEBxY Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Elizabeth Bieniek, Cake On Tuesday, 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 Who This Podcast is For: Leaders in Action: Entrepreneurs and executives from mid-sized organizations, especially in the tech space, seeking to branch out and innovate without jeopardizing their existing base. Growth-Oriented Professionals: Mid-career leaders tackling the challenges of scaling while managing high-stakes disagreements, hiring innovators, and avoiding burnout. Strivers for Sustainable Success: Those seeking practical strategies and frameworks to recharge, protect their teams, and foster joy in leadership while navigating chaos. Each episode of Cake on Tuesday is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and mindsets needed for lifelong growth. From building resilient teams, to embracing constructive disagreement, to protecting your people and yourself, this podcast delivers battle-tested lessons on how to lead with grit, creativity, and the ability to find joy in it all. About Elizabeth Elizabeth Bieniek is an author, speaker, and consultant focused on “good peopling” as the secret to exceptional execution. As a founder and Fortune 100 innovation and engineering leadership veteran, her expertise lies in challenging assumptions, embracing diverse perspectives, and leading through ambiguity to build empowered, resilient teams that last. ​ Named Toptal’s 10 most influential “Female Pioneers in Technology,” she has spoken on bridging the gap between human connection and innovation at EmTech NEXT, Chatham House, ITEXPO, AWE, and the Global AI Community. Her leadership and innovation philosophy have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Inc., International Business Times, Tech Times and Women in Business. 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, he shared his knowledge and trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica s Call Center since 2008. Richard Blank has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Rockola Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. 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. 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/ #ElizabethBieniek #CakeOnTuesday #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest.#CostaRicaCallCenter #LifeReinvention #SalesLeadership #PinballCEO #TelemarketingMastery #PodcastEpisode Why Zig and Zag: Be Uniquely Yourself The greatest thing to do is to zig and zag, loosey-goosey. And remember that there's 10% wildcard in this world. A lot of people write you to get on your podcast. but there must have been one or two or hopefully three anchors that I shared with you about myself that separated me from others, that got your interest and enabled me to be here today. And so if you think you're gonna be somebody else, fine, wear your suit, drive your fancy car and be in your penthouse place. But just like in Rocky, he had a better training in Rocky III when he was in that old gym with Apollo