"He Put A Gun In My Mouth, Then Beat Me Up!" - Molly Bloom (Molly's Game)

TL;DR

Molly Bloom recounts her trajectory from a waitress to running the largest underground poker games in LA and New York, earning millions while catering to celebrities and billionaires. The operation turned illegal, leading to an armed robbery (gun in her mouth), FBI seizure of her assets, a federal indictment, and a refusal to become a snitch despite a multi-million-dollar offer.

Key insights

• The line between legal and illegal poker hinged on not taking a rake (percentage of each pot); instead, winners tipped, keeping the game legally distinct until she began taking a rake and partnering w
• High-net-worth individuals are often more insecure and desperate for validation than ordinary people; making them feel seen and heard (effective presence) is a powerful tool for connection.
• Listening is a competitive advantage; most people focus on speaking, but truly understanding someone allows you to ask better questions or deliver better solutions.