Quitting was not your fault

Richard Blank

Rise to Lead Podcast episode 88. Where Winning Gets Human with Richard Blank   Lead & live differently. This podcast is for entrepreneurs and leaders who want real freedom, a life that feels like it's theirs, and a team that thrives — without sacrificing themselves in the process. Get practical strategies on modern leadership, authentic influence, and how to build the life, business, and career that’s actually right for you. transformyourperformance.com  RISE TO LEAD Fearless Voices, Bold Leadership, Unconventional Thinking Welcome to the hub of leadership inspiration with Regina Huber. Tune in for candid conversations and invaluable wisdom from bold leaders across industries and cultures. RISE TO LEAD is where fearless voices and unconventional minds share how they shape movements, businesses, teams—and themselves. This show celebrates creative leadership in all forms, from the stage to the boardroom, from community spaces to solo ventures. We explore creative, sometimes unexpected expressions of leadership—from business innovators and band leaders to movement makers. Come for bold heart, audacious action, and the kind of leadership that creates greater freedom for you and those you get to impact.  What happens when you stop following the expected path—and trust what pulls you instead? Richard shares how a short trip to Costa Rica turned into a 25-year entrepreneurial path, built from the ground up by leaning into instinct, language, and real human connection. This conversation goes beyond business—it’s about stepping out of comfort, creating something that reflects who you are, and leading in a way that people actually feel.  We explore what makes people stay (even in high-pressure environments), how to turn transactional conversations into meaningful ones, and why the real advantage today has nothing to do with technology. From conversational intelligence to creating spaces where people can breathe, grow, and perform—this episode challenges how you think about leadership, communication, and what truly lasts. AI will never be able to replace this.  Ready to Lead in a Bold New Way AND Enjoy Greater Success and Fulfillment Through It? – Let’s amplify your leadership, fully aligned with who you are. Master communication, ignite team engagement, and achieve breakthroughs with my exclusive formula for Thriving Leaders ready to break the mold, embrace new paradigms for themselves and their teams, and find true fulfillment   https://youtu.be/LmAoEOOzQz0

Transcript

00:00Okay. Yeah. So let's talk about conflict.

00:04What is a conflict that you're actually glad it happened in your life because it might have made you a

00:12better leader?

00:16The first time somebody left the company, I thought everyone was going to be, when you hired them, they were

00:23there for the next 40 years.

00:25I didn't realize that my industry had the largest attrition rate of 300%.

00:30And so when the first guy left, he looked like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo.

00:34I said, why are you leaving, Shaggy? No, I'm only kidding.

00:37But I couldn't believe it. I took it personal. I felt I did something wrong.

00:42I went above and beyond.

00:44And when he left, one of the guys that was in Costa Rica longer than me that I was renting

00:50the call center space from when I first started my business pulled me aside and goes,

00:54Richie, you got to realize something.

00:56The kid's 22 years old. His girlfriend works at Amazon. That's why he's leaving.

00:59It's got nothing to do with you. He loved you. He even told me.

01:03And he felt bad. You're lucky he even came to you. Most of the guys just leave.

01:07And I said, you're right.

01:10He goes, they have family issues. They have money issues. They have health issues.

01:15They have mental issues. They have a million issues. They're not letting you know.

01:19So I realized that I needed to change my mindset.

01:24And so if I did everything I could, if I was not disrespectful and I played by the rules and

01:30you just left without even saying goodbye, that's on you.

01:34But I also learned a huge lesson, Regina, that if you sense it or anything you need to hedge your

01:42bet, when you're hiring for five people, why don't you bring in nine?

01:46Because two won't show up on Monday anyway for the training class and two people are just going to quit

01:50anyway because they're not going to want to do it.

01:52And then you're stuck with your five. I know my stuff.

01:54And if someone starts coming in late or missing work, then they're obviously going on job interviews.

02:00And so then you find that replacement or you constantly have people coming in that you can interview to maybe

02:06boost up the team.

02:08So. But I had to realize that if I spent time with somebody half an hour to even a month,

02:17so you spend five hours with someone and then you never see him again.

02:21That's just the price that you pay.

02:23That's just the price that you pay.

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