The Daily Stoic

Molly Bloom on Turning Down 5 Million Dollars

Jan 21, 2023

Molly Bloom, entrepreneur and author known for her high-stakes poker world, reflects on her journey from an Olympic skier to running underground games for the rich and famous. She shares a pivotal moment of choosing integrity over $5 million, emphasizing the importance of personal values and self-reflection. Molly discusses navigating emotions in decision-making, the impact of trusted feedback, and the illusions surrounding success and control. Her story is a journey of resilience, moral courage, and discovering true fulfillment beyond material wealth.

01:09:52

Episode guests

Molly Bloom

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

You Can Be Very Rich and Not Have Financial Freedom

01:22

I thought their world was rock solid

01:11

You're Driving a Lamborghini, they’re not thinking about you at all

02:09

You Have to Make Decisions That Aren't Aligned With Who You Are

00:57

Intro

5min

Navigating Emotions in Decision-Making

16min

The Value of Trusted Feedback

4min

The Illusion of Control

5min

From Waitress to Influencer: A Journey of Self-Discovery

8min

The Illusion of Success

12min

Choosing Integrity Over Temptation

5min

The Power of Saying No

16min

The Quest for True Fulfillment Beyond Success

4min

Ryan speaks with Molly Bloom about her book Molly's Game: The True Story of the 26-Year-Old Woman Behind the Most Exclusive, High-Stakes Underground Poker Game in the World, the crossroads moment that taught her to overcome challenges through mindfulness, the intoxicating and eye-opening effects of running poker games for the ultra-rich and famous, how hitting rock-bottom taught her that good character is something to be trained, and more.

Molly Bloom is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and former Olympic class skier. After her competitive skiing career was derailed by injury, Molly became a bartender at the Viper Room in Los Angeles. She eventually started an event and catering company to host high-stakes poker tournaments, which attracted wealthy people, sports figures, and Hollywood celebrities. In 2013, she was sentenced as part of a $100 million money laundering and illegal sports gambling operation and served one year of probation with a $200,000 fine, and 200 hours of community service. Her story was turned into a 2017 film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. Molly’s speaking and entrepreneurial work focuses on inspiring and educating people on how to become top performers.

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