Spanish Journey_ From Chills to Skills.

And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up contact. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence. The positive reinforcement that I got from a bilingual Spanish speaker, it was like a Mario coin. It wasn't a thousand, but it added up. They said, Richard, go, go, go, go. Here's a couple more words. Richard, let me balance your bike on the grammar here. Let me help you here. All I kept doing was expanding the base, expanding that base and growing. And so by the time I graduated, I had an intermediate level. Threads of Enlightenment podcast. Host Ken Primus interviews expat CEO Richard Blank Threads of Enlightenment: Unlocking Your Best Self, is your gateway to discovering life-changing principles of self-development and growth. We dive into inspiring stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. From overcoming devastating challenges like mental illness, substance abuse, and financial loss to learning how to embrace your inner power, this podcast celebrates the indomitable human spirit. Tune in to learn actionable steps for overcoming fear and achieving your desired outcome. Whether you're battling anxiety or looking for guidance on personal growth, Threads of Enlightenment is here to inspire your journey. From Philly to Costa Rica: Watch how one man's bold move at 51 transformed his life and opened doors to unexpected dreams. Richard shares his inspiring journey of leaving Philadelphia behind to embrace a new chapter in Costa Rica, proving it's never too late to reinvent yourself. After building a successful life, Richard now explores new passions including writing children's books, art, and music. His story shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary opportunities and personal growth. Discover how this former Philadelphia native found purpose through giving back, creating a scholarship for language students, and embracing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. Richard's journey reminds us that success isn't just about material wealth - it's about gratitude, continuous learning, and having the courage to follow your dreams, no matter your age. Join us for an authentic conversation about second chances, finding happiness in unexpected places, and the wisdom that comes from embracing both life's challenges and opportunities. Perfect for anyone considering a major life change or seeking inspiration to pursue their dreams. From leaving Philadelphia to building a thriving 150-person company in Costa Rica, this is the story of how taking a leap of faith led to creating something extraordinary. After working in contact centers for 4 years, I saw an opportunity to build something different - a company focused on advanced communication, conflict management, and genuine human connection. Unlike massive corporate contact centers, we've created an environment where employees aren't just numbers - they're part of a community where mentorship, growth, and second chances matter. With pinball machines, arcade games, and a culture that values personal development, we've proven that sometimes the best business decisions come from following an unconventional path. Join me as I share my 16-year journey of building a company that puts people first, the challenges of international business ownership, and why leaving my comfort zone in Philly was the best decision I ever made. Richard's leap of faith led to a life-changing adventure. Hear how this man from Philadelphia found love, purpose, and success after moving to Costa Rica on a whim. Richard shares his journey of learning Spanish, embracing a new culture, and building a thriving business. Discover the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and following your dreams. Richard discuss overcoming fears, seizing opportunities, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Get inspired to take your own leap of faith and create the life you've always wanted. Discover practical wisdom about cultural adaptation, language learning, and the courage it takes to chart your own path. Richard's story demonstrates how taking calculated risks and staying true to your passions can create a life more fulfilling than you ever imagined. Whether you're dreaming of living abroad, learning a new language, or simply seeking inspiration to make a bold life change, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation. Richard's journey shows that with dedication, cultural sensitivity, and an open heart, you can create success anywhere in the world. https://youtu.be/3a237rFKdlw https://youtu.be/xxPBm_B-H-0 https://youtu.be/Mf648Pc9uNU https://youtu.be/h8tRuPqNNDY Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Ken Primus, Threads of Enlightenment podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's contact Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing contact Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,contact centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending