Loyalty? What can a Gangster teach you? Do you have what it takes to live by the Code.
Loyalty: The Heartbeat of Success
What separates a true gangster from a street thug isn’t just power or money, it’s loyalty. In the world of organized crime, loyalty isn’t just a virtue. It’s survival. You stand by your people, or you fall. What many miss is this: loyalty isn’t just for mobsters, it’s a code the rest of us must live by, too. You don’t need to break the law to live like a gangster. You just need to honor your word.
Take Meyer Lansky—the “Mob’s Accountant.” He built an empire worth hundreds of millions, not just because he was smart, but because he was loyal. When Lucky Luciano was deported, Lansky didn’t turn his back. He helped keep the syndicate running and protected his friend’s interests. He never flipped, never folded. In return, people protected him. He died an old man in Miami. Meyer only spent a couple of months in jail during his entire career for a book making charge in Saratoga, New York.
Or look at Carlo Gambino, the quiet boss. He wasn’t flashy like Gotti or brutal like Anastasia. He was respected because he was discreet and loyal. Gambino built relationships with law enforcement, politicians, and rival families. He never got caught on tape, never betrayed a friend, and never brought shame to his name. He lived like a king and died in his own bed.
You don’t have to run rackets to live by this code. Loyalty today means keeping your word, standing by your friends, and showing up when it matters. Why do we have to tell someone, “Please don’t repeat this?” It should be an unspoken request.
Everyone should know better, but many times someone rats us out over the smallest of words which can hurt us and others to a great extent. This is called betrayal, which is NOT part of the code.
· If you make a promise, keep it.
· If someone trusts you with a secret, shut your mouth.
· If a friend is down, have their back, even if it’s inconvenient.
Loyalty builds trust. Trust builds power. Whether you're in the boardroom or on the street, people will follow the one they trust.
You don’t need a gun in your waistband or a rap sheet to be a gangster. You just need honor, consistency, and loyalty. That’s what this blog and my upcoming book is about. Real gangster principles. Real-world results. How to Live like a Gangster: No Prison Required.
What does loyalty mean to you? Drop a comment. I want to hear from you.
Gangster buffs, want more? Go here: Secrets