Living life like a 1980s B movie

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

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00:00And then at 35, I threw my hat in the ring, started my company with one seat.

00:03Here we are today with 150, and it's been a great run.

00:08And I count my lucky stars.

00:11It should have never happened.

00:12And so why am I smiling?

00:14Because I'm living a dream.

00:16I mean, I followed through on childhood interests, made it into a career, and somehow was able to put it

00:23all together.

00:23And so, yes, that's why I'm here today, rising to lead and sharing it with you and your amazing audience.

00:32Wow, it sure sounds like a dream life to me.

00:36And, yeah, I do love your story because I've, you know, as we always like to say, reinvented myself many

00:45times in different places.

00:47But it's really about getting closer to who you are, right?

00:52And to get to that essence of who we are.

00:56And I love your story because at some point in my life, I just left my well-paying leader job

01:02in San Francisco.

01:04Left that behind.

01:05I packed up and flew down to Buenos Aires and simply built and opened a bed and breakfast.

01:12Not quite the same, but still, you know, I just followed my heart like you did.

01:18So, we do have a few parallels there, although I did not learn Spanish in school.

01:23I learned that later in life.

01:25Just moving to Spain.

01:27But, yeah, lots of things in common, for sure.

01:32It's like an 80s B-movie.

01:34You take someone from another world, throwing them somewhere else.

01:37There's some hijinks and fun, you know.

01:39And how about this?

01:41And you know this, Regina, being an expat and a world traveler, that if you go somewhere with good intentions

01:47and you smile, you don't need to speak their language.

01:51People will embrace you.

01:52You pay attention.

01:55Sometimes it's like living in the now.

01:58Today, we're so distracted.

01:59But when you're abroad, you're on your toes.

02:02So, every minute is a solid five minutes of just life.

02:05And you're drinking it.

02:06And at the end of the day, you're exhausted because it's like a final exam.

02:10You know, you took in so much and you grew so much.

02:14It's shedding skin is kind of the way I'm seeing it.

02:17It's you're getting out of that crazy bubble that we're all so used to.

02:21And you know what it is, Regina?

02:23It's making yourself vulnerable.

02:25I put myself out there.

02:27Not everybody likes call centers or Spanish or things like that.

02:30But you know what?

02:31I'll wear those scars.

02:32I'm proud of it.

02:33That's who I am today.

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