Gen X Wisdom, Pinball Machines, and the Power of Words: A Conversation with Richard Blank
- Dr. Eulanda Sanders
- May 5
- 4 min read
At iNNOVATION Insights…We transform our clients' career journeys through the art of storytelling via our consulting, coaching, and career management services.
Some podcast guests leave a lasting impression not only for their insights, but for the energy they bring into a room—even virtually. Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center and self-described linguist, motivator, and arcade enthusiast, is one of those rare people. We connected through PodPage, and from our very first interaction, I knew this would be more than an interview—it would be a deep dive into leadership, communication, and innovation through a Gen X lens. Our shared cultural touchstones, from The Breakfast Club to old-school landlines, set the tone for a rich, inspiring conversation about building businesses with integrity, heart, and humanity.
From Philadelphia to Costa Rica: A Linguist's Journey to Leadership
Richard’s journey from Northeast Philadelphia to founding a call center in Costa Rica was anything but linear. After graduating from Abington High School, he chose to major in Spanish at the University of Arizona—against conventional advice and expectations. His early professional experiences with Corona and Telemundo sharpened his communication skills, but it was a bold decision at age 27 to teach English at a friend’s call center in Costa Rica that sparked his entrepreneurial fire. Over time, he learned the call center industry from the inside out, eventually launching Costa Rica’s Call Center with his wife. Eighteen years later, their business stands as a testament to slow growth, strategic planning, and deep respect for culture.
Soft Skills as Innovation: The Art of the Phone Call
Richard sees call centers not simply as job sites, but as arenas for mastering “the art of speech.” In an era dominated by non-voice communication—texts, emails, emojis—he emphasizes the irreplaceable power of voice-to-voice connection. “You can say something that someone will remember for fifty years,” he told me. His training philosophy includes removing ego-challenging language (“help” becomes “assist,” “sorry” becomes “for clarification”), and embracing discomfort as growth. His call center is a training ground where diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and real-time storytelling are constantly honed.
Building a Business with Integrity and Arcade Games
In our conversation, Richard emphasized that innovation is not about scaling rapidly or chasing investors. Instead, he champions “acting your wage,” ethical decision-making, and pacing growth with sustainability in mind. He started small—renting space, building rows one at a time, investing in technology—and only purchased his building when it made financial sense.
But it is not all spreadsheets and strategy. Richard created a workplace culture that includes retro arcade games, pinball machines, and communal break spaces designed to foster fun and decompress stress. Why? Because people do their best work when they feel valued and balanced. As he said, “Recess was the best part of the day anyway.”
The Hero’s Journey and the Gen X Work Ethic
One of the most poignant parts of our conversation was Richard’s take on the hero’s journey—how stepping off the conventional path gave him the clarity and courage to create his own future. As Gen Xers, many of us grew up having to earn connection through direct communication—calling friends on landlines, knocking on doors, riding bikes around the neighborhood. Richard channels that same resourcefulness and hustle into everything he does.
He reminded us that the best leaders are not always in the corner office. Sometimes they are jumping on calls, mentoring staff, or simply being present with their teams. His brand of leadership is humble, human, and deeply grounded in relationship-building.
Innovation as Energy, Emotion, and Action
When asked to define innovation, Richard gave a beautiful and layered answer: “Innovation is image streaming... a feeling that turns into a focus, that turns into an idea.” His most personal example? The moment he envisioned his company’s logo in a dream—an art deco-style image with CCC glowing in neon—and brought it to life with clay the next day.
Innovation, to Richard, is not reserved for the lab or boardroom. It happens in everyday moments, creative sparks, and courageous decisions. It can be a new approach to customer service, a softer way of speaking, or a business built around caring for employees instead of squeezing profit margins.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Lessons from a Pinball-Wielding CEO
If there is one takeaway from this episode, it is that innovation starts with authenticity. Whether you are a Gen Xer tired of corporate life or a millennial founder launching your first venture, Richard’s story is a reminder to lean into your uniqueness, slow your pace when needed, and never underestimate the power of a well-placed compliment or a well-timed risk.
To all the dreamers, linguists, and pinball machine collectors out there—this one is for you.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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