The 10 Books Every HNW Investor Must Read to Dominate Their Industry
How To Rewire Your Brain for High-Performance Investing, Disruptive Growth, and World-Class Leadership.
You’re either moving forward - or falling behind. The difference between top investors who crush their goals and those who flounder?
Knowledge.
But here’s the thing: knowledge without action is worthless.
Below is your blueprint for domination: my personal Top 10 books for high net worth (HNW) and sophisticated investors to sharpen your mindset, supercharge your strategies, and position you as a pioneer of real estate, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Let’s dive in.
THE 10 BOOKS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR GAME
(Descriptions + 3x actionable bullet points from each.)
1. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller
This is your roadmap to building wealth through real estate. Learn how to think and act like the world’s wealthiest property investors, master proven systems, and create a replicable process for long-term success.
• Focus on Net Worth: Wealth isn’t about income; it’s about the assets you own.
• Leverage OPM (Other People’s Money): Use financing and partnerships to scale faster.
• Systems Over Hustle: Build repeatable systems for finding deals and managing properties.
2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
The classic that changed the way millions think about money. Kiyosaki breaks down the difference between the rich and poor mindsets - and shows why financial independence comes from assets, not hard work alone.
• Shift Your Mindset: The rich buy assets; the poor buy liabilities disguised as assets.
• Cash Flow is King: Focus on passive income over salary-based wealth.
• Invest in Education: Financial literacy is the ultimate wealth-building tool.
3. The One Thing by Gary Keller
What if success isn’t about doing more but doing less? This book teaches you how to focus on the single most important task that will create extraordinary results across all areas of your life.
• Ask the Focusing Question: “What’s the ONE thing I can do such that everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?”
• Domino Effect: Knock down your biggest priority first, and watch everything else fall into place.
• Time Block Like a Pro: Protect your most important work with non-negotiable time blocks.
4. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Small, consistent actions lead to massive results over time. This book is about leveraging momentum, tracking progress, and turning small wins into life-changing success.
• Consistency Wins: Small daily actions lead to exponential growth over time.
• Track Your Progress: Measure what matters to stay on course.
• Momentum Multiplier: Focus on building habits that create unstoppable momentum.
5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
One of the most influential wealth-building books ever written. Hill distills the habits, strategies, and mindset of the world’s most successful people into actionable principles for achieving greatness.
• Burning Desire: A crystal-clear goal backed by desire is the starting point of success.
• Mastermind Power: Surround yourself with like-minded, high-caliber individuals.
• Faith and Persistence: Believe it’s possible and stay the course - no matter the setbacks.
6. Principles by Ray Dalio
Dalio’s playbook for life and business, packed with insights from one of the greatest investors of all time. Learn how to approach problems systematically, make better decisions, and lead with radical transparency.
• Embrace Radical Transparency: Honest feedback drives better decisions.
• Think in Systems: Approach problems with structured frameworks, not emotions.
• Pain + Reflection = Growth: Failures are opportunities to adapt and improve.
7. Homeless to Billionaire by Andres Pira
The rags-to-riches story of a man who went from sleeping on beaches to building a billion-dollar real estate development empire. Pira shares his unconventional methods, from visualisation to bold decision-making.
• Visualise Your Success: See the outcome clearly before it happens.
• Bold Risks Create Big Rewards: Comfort zones don’t breed billionaires.
• Give First, Receive Later: Success flows when you add value to others.
8. What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen Schwarzman
From the founder of Blackstone, this book offers a masterclass in leadership, risk-taking, and vision. Learn how to make bold decisions, navigate challenges, and build something that stands the test of time.
• Think Big, Start Small: Every empire begins with a single bold move.
• Resilience is Key: Failure is inevitable - how you respond to it defines your legacy.
• Master the Art of Influence: Leadership is about persuading others to share and execute your vision.
9. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
A raw and honest account of how Phil Knight built Nike from nothing. This book is a masterclass in taking risks, trusting your vision, and overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship.
• Just Start: Even the world’s biggest brands began as scrappy ideas.
• Bet on Yourself: Take risks when others don’t see the vision.
• Obsess Over Product Quality: Build something so good people can’t ignore it.
10. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
The ultimate guide to value investing. Graham’s timeless strategies will help you evaluate assets, protect against risk, and maximise returns - a Warren Buffett favourite.
• Margin of Safety: Always invest with a buffer to minimise risk.
• Price ≠ Value: The market often mis-prices assets - find the undervalued ones.
• Stay Rational: Emotions are your biggest enemy in investing.
BONUS:
11. The Laws of Success by Napoleon Hill
Hill’s groundbreaking work dives deeper into the principles behind success, offering 15 powerful lessons designed to help you master mindset, wealth, and influence. It’s the ultimate playbook for becoming an unstoppable force in business and life.
• Definiteness of Purpose: Clear goals drive unstoppable momentum.
• The Mastermind Principle: Collaborate with others to multiply your success.
• Self-Discipline: Master your mind to master your results.
+6 ADDITIONAL BOOKS FOR OVER-ACHIEVERS
Because no reading list is never enough for people who aim for the very top:
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: Own every outcome. True leaders thrive on accountability.
• Zero to One by Peter Thiel: Create something new. Think differently, dominate completely.
• Atomic Habits by James Clear: Tiny changes compound into unstoppable results.
• The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone: Set goals 10 times bigger than you think is possible - success requires massive action.
• Am I Being Too Subtle? by Sam Zell: The biggest opportunities are found in places others overlook.
• Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim: Make competition irrelevant by creating your own space.
CLOSING CALL TO ACTION
You’ve got the blueprint - now it’s time to take action.
Pick one book. Commit to it. Apply what you learn. That’s how you win. Which book are you diving into first? Hit reply and let me know - I want to hear how you’re levelling up.
And if you want even more actionable insights and elite strategies, keep an eye out for the next issue of Upgraded Investor.
Let’s build something that matters.
Matt
P.S. Know someone who’s serious about dominating their space? Forward this to them - they’ll thank you later.