Molly Bloom: Inspirational Speaker

Inspirational keynote speaker and bestselling author Molly Bloom empowers audiences with her extraordinary true story of resilience, reinvention, and integrity from Molly’s Game fame.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Bestselling author of Molly’s Game (HarperCollins, 2014)
  • Subject of Aaron Sorkin’s critically acclaimed film adaptation
  • Founder of “One World Group,” focused on inclusion and recovery
  • Featured on The Ellen Show, CNN, and The New York Times
  • Dynamic storyteller connecting ethics, leadership, and resilience

Formats: Inspirational keynote (45–60 minutes); available for corporate events, conferences, and leadership summits.

Audiences: Business leaders, entrepreneurs, women in leadership, ethics and compliance teams, and audiences seeking personal transformation.

Outcomes:
  1. Understand how failure and adversity can catalyze growth and innovation.
  2. Learn actionable strategies for rebuilding integrity and resilience under pressure.
  3. Gain inspiration to pursue authentic success and values-driven leadership.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Denver, CO

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

THE TRUE STORY OF THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MOST EXCLUSIVE, HIGH-STAKES UNDERGROUND POKER GAME IN THE WORLD

What’s it like to run an exclusive poker game for the rich and famous?

Molly Bloom went from olympic-level skier who didn’t know a thing about poker or Hollywood to building and operating the largest and most notorious private poker game in the world.

In this motivational talk, Molly Bloom will show the sales and marketing skills she used to attract hundreds of millions of dollars to the game and spark the interest of players like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, A-Rod, and Ben Affleck.

Audiences will get the inside story not shown in the film as Bloom shares true-life tales of her experience.

CHAMPION MINDSET

Molly Bloom shares her playbook for winning, derived from her experiences skiing for the US Ski Team, running the largest poker games in the world, writing a best-selling memoir, and making an Oscar-nominated movie. 

She breaks her philosophy for growth and success down into 7 major points over the course of her presentation, which audiences will leave invigorated, informed, and primed for their own success.

Molly will cover:

  • The importance of unequivocally believing in yourself, backed by Carol Dweck’s research into growth mindset and its influence on children in underperforming school districts.
  • The science of overcoming fear through a combination of taking calculated risks, breathwork and meditation.
  • Cultivating power via a process of self-accountability and reflection.
  • Making use of mindfulness to cultivate resilience, which pays off more in the long run that connections and talent.
  • Finding allies and becoming an ally for others.
  • The art of pivoting when it comes time to move on to the next venture, and making a clean break with the past.
  • How to cultivate relationships with absolutely anyone through the use of human psychology and your own authentic self.

OVERCOMING SETBACKS

How do you come back from a failure? After the FBI arrested Molly Bloom and confiscated all her earnings from her poker business, she could have given up.

Instead, she used the same lessons she learned from her father that led her to come back from back surgery to be ranked No. 3 in North America in moguls, to overcome this setback.

Molly Bloom wrote the bestselling memoir, Molly’s Game, convinced Aaron Sorkin to write the screenplay, and the film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay.

In this inspiring talk, Bloom will share true stories and life lessons showing that when you bet on yourself in business, you can always win.

Talent Short Bio

A former world-class skier turned entrepreneur, Molly Bloom is the real-life inspiration behind Molly’s Game. Her journey from Olympic hopeful to leader of the world’s most exclusive underground poker operation is a testament to resilience and ethical leadership.

Today, Bloom is a sought-after inspirational keynote speaker who empowers audiences to embrace failure as fuel for transformation, to rebuild trust, and to pursue integrity-driven success. Her story resonates across industries—from finance and tech to leadership, law, and personal growth—delivering a masterclass in overcoming adversity and redefining ambition. Through humor, authenticity, and hard-earned wisdom, Bloom brings to life lessons on risk, resilience, and the human capacity for reinvention.

Molly Bloom is an inspirational keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of “Molly’s Game“ (2014). She is best known for her memoir, “Molly’s Game,” which was adapted into an award-winning film of the same name by Aaron Sorkin.

Bloom’s memoir chronicles her journey from college student to LA waitress to building and operating the largest and most notorious private poker game in the world. Her games featured hundreds of millions of dollars and players like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, A-Rod, and Ben Affleck.

Molly Bloom began her career as a world-class skier. While training as a pre-teen she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and had to undergo surgery that the doctors said would end her athletic career.

A year later, fully recovered, she was back on the slopes. Molly Bloom later joined the U.S. Ski Team and at 21 years old was ranked No. 3 in North America in moguls, but her Olympic dreams would go unrealized as she left the team to pursue other projects. This led her to what she thought would be a year sabbatical in LA.

Molly Bloom was finishing her degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado – Boulder, and was in the process of applying to top tier Law Schools, when her assistant job turned her into an accidental entrepreneur, running one of the most exclusive, high-stakes underground poker games in the world, pulling in as much as $4 million per year. What happened next is where her story truly begins.

The film Molly’s Game, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, stars Jessica Chastain (as Molly), Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Brian d’Arcy James, and Chris O’Dowd. Bloom has appeared on numerous shows and in media outlets such as Ellen, Vice, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, Vulture, and has been asked to speak at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women, for companies like Blackrock Financial, SiriusXM Radio, and delivered the 2018 commencement speech at Colorado State University.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Talent Videos

"The winners played the long game" - Molly Bloom at SuperReturn International 2019

At SuperReturn International 2019, Molly Bloom shares the true story behind Molly’s Game, revealing how resilience, strategy, and integrity shape sustainable success.

In this SuperReturn International keynote, Molly Bloom recounts her journey from Olympic-level skiing hopeful to the architect of one of the world’s most exclusive poker networks. She describes how ambition, intellect, and an appetite for risk fueled her early rise—but also how shortcuts, ego, and the wrong alliances led to collapse. Bloom reflects on what she learned about discipline, long-term vision, and moral courage from both her ascent and downfall.

Her message to investors and leaders centers on “playing the long game”—prioritizing integrity and strategy over instant gratification. She draws parallels between poker and finance: both reward pattern recognition, emotional control, and calculated patience. Bloom emphasizes that sustainable success requires resilience through downturns and the humility to rebuild when systems fail. Closing on an inspiring note, she encourages leaders to measure achievement not by wealth or status but by endurance, values, and contribution.

Key Moments

  • 02:01–05:45 — Building the underground poker empire and lessons in risk and influence.
  • 05:46–09:30 — The psychology of power, ambition, and high-stakes environments.
  • 09:31–13:00 — Collapse and legal challenges: confronting failure and personal accountability.
  • 13:01–18:45 — Insights into resilience and rebuilding after loss.
  • 18:46–23:15 — Applying poker strategy to leadership, finance, and decision-making.
  • 23:16–27:50 — Why true winners play the long game—focusing on patience, integrity, and legacy.

In this engaging Ellen interview, Molly Bloom reveals the real story behind Molly’s Game, reflecting on her extraordinary journey from Olympic hopeful to poker entrepreneur.

In this lighthearted yet revealing conversation on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Molly Bloom discusses her remarkable real-life journey that inspired the film Molly’s Game. She begins by explaining how, after training as a world-class skier and overcoming severe scoliosis surgery, she pivoted into a completely different world—high-stakes poker. Bloom shares how she built a multimillion-dollar underground poker operation attended by Hollywood A-listers, professional athletes, and financiers, including players like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.

Ellen asks about the wildness of that experience and the lessons Bloom learned from it. Molly speaks candidly about losing everything after an FBI raid and how that forced her to confront her own values and rebuild her life. She credits that downfall as a turning point toward discovering integrity, resilience, and purpose. With humor and self-awareness, Bloom reflects on how Aaron Sorkin’s film captured her transformation and why she now focuses on inspiring others to face adversity with courage and honesty.

Key Moments

  • 00:46–01:35 — Molly recounts her background as a competitive skier and early ambitions.
  • 01:36–02:30 — Transition from sports to building the world’s most exclusive poker game.
  • 02:31–03:25 — The high-stakes world of celebrities and risk management.
  • 03:26–04:15 — Legal troubles, loss, and lessons in resilience.

This dynamic highlight reel captures Molly Bloom’s powerful keynote presence, showcasing her journey from high-stakes poker mastermind to global symbol of resilience and reinvention.

In this short sizzle reel, Molly Bloom delivers impactful moments from her keynote presentations, sharing the highs, lows, and lessons of an extraordinary life. The video opens with Bloom recounting her rise from Olympic-level skiing to hosting the world’s most exclusive poker games. Through vivid storytelling, she reflects on ambition, power, and the consequences of risky choices. The reel transitions to her downfall and the turning point that reshaped her outlook on success and integrity.

Her voiceover emphasizes resilience, accountability, and the courage to start again, accompanied by cinematic footage and audience reactions. Bloom’s energy and authenticity make her message about redemption and purpose deeply relatable. The reel closes with the call to “play the long game”—a reminder that true success comes not from winning every hand, but from how we recover, rebuild, and redefine victory.

Key Moments

  • 00:21–00:50 — Molly narrates her backstory: from skiing to high-stakes poker.
  • 00:51–01:15 — Reflections on failure, integrity, and transformation.
  • 01:16–01:35 — Highlights from global keynotes and audience reactions.
  • 01:36–01:47 — Closing message: resilience, purpose, and “playing the long game.”

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

You may be interested in...

  • (16)
  • (4)
Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman

Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman is known as the The Wingman and a Hall of Fame leadership speaker, executive coach, and author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Never Fly Solo. He teaches organizations how to build trusting, revenue producing relationships with their employees, partners, and customers while sharing his experiences as a combat decorated F-16 […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (26)
  • (8)
Jones Loflin

Jones Loflin is a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership expert, and productivity coach who has spent over 25 years helping organizations and individuals navigate the challenges of leadership, change management, and productivity. With a career spanning multiple industries, including education, business consulting, and leadership development, Jones has empowered countless leaders to confidently lead their teams, foster […]

  • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (38)

From Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to leadership and sales speaker, bestselling author, and Chief Purpose Advisor, discover Paul Epstein path to become the most trusted voice on leading battle-tested teams and building purposeful culture through The Power of Playing Offense. Paul Epstein has been in the sports industry since his career began, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (75)
Riley Gaines

Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights in sports, has made waves beyond the pool. A 12-time All-American swimmer with five SEC titles, she was a celebrated athlete at the University of Kentucky with a promising path to a career in dentistry. Riley Gaines However, her future took an […]

  • Travels from: Nashville, TN
  • Empowerment Speakers
  • (66)
The Habits Academy - James Clear

James Clear is a name synonymous with transformative change and personal growth. As a personal development keynote speaker and the New York Times bestselling author of “Atomic Habits,” Clear has inspired millions with his practical and insightful approach to building better habits and achieving long-term success. His work transcends the typical self-help genre, offering actionable […]

  • Travels from: Columbus, OH
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (17)
speakers inc

Mango and Dango, based in sunny San Diego, are a world-class duo of stilt walkers, clowns, and corporate entertainers who have been captivating audiences across the globe for over a decade. Known for their high-energy performances, colorful costumes, and unforgettable characters, Mango and Dango have become a sought-after name in the corporate entertainment industry. Mango […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Stilt Walkers
  • (33)
Chris-Waddell-2

Chris Waddell’s story is one of unimaginable resilience, boundless courage, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Chris refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he redefined what was possible—not just for himself, but for millions who would come to be inspired by his journey. […]

  • Travels from: Park City, UT
  • Winter Olympians
  • (99)
DJ Cocoa Chanelle

DJ Cocoa Chanelle is a Black Girls Rock recipient, and award-winning Deejay / On-Air personality with over 16+ years of radio experience in the #1 market in the United States, New York City’s HOT 97, and 7 years of on-air experience with BET Networks as the Deejay for their popular talk show Teen Summit, Making Cocoa the first DJ in history hired as an […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Mobile DJ
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.