10 books by billionaires to teach you how to build wealth

Ever wondered what makes billionaires different? It's not just their net worth but the unique mindset, strategies, and lessons they've learned on their way to the top. While we may not have personal access to their wisdom, their books give us a chance to walk in their shoes. Many billionaires have penned down their secrets—lessons about wealth creation, success habits, and long-term financial strategies that have shaped their empires.

If you're looking for a practical guide to building wealth, these 10 books, written by billionaires themselves, are genuine roadmaps for financial success and entrepreneurial growth.

10 books written by billionaires

1. "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life" by Warren Buffett and Alice Schroeder

Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, opens the door to his life and philosophy. Though Buffett himself didn't write this biography, it's based on years of conversations with him. It offers unparalleled insights into his investment approach, frugality, and long-term vision.

Key takeaway

Focus on compounding wealth by making long-term, smart investments rather than chasing quick profits.

2. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and an early investor in Facebook, provides a fresh perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship. He challenges readers to think differently and create something truly unique—going from "zero to one."

Key takeaway

Monopolise your niche by creating groundbreaking products or services that don’t exist yet.

3. Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio

Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world, shares the principles that helped him build his empire. He lays down life and business rules, showing the importance of decision-making frameworks.

Key takeaway:

Success comes from systematic decision-making, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and sticking to a process-driven mindset.

4. The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone

While Jeff Bezos didn’t write this book himself, it’s an in-depth look at how he transformed Amazon into a trillion-dollar enterprise. It captures Bezos’s relentless focus on customer satisfaction, long-term thinking, and innovation.

Key takeaway:

Focus on long-term value creation and innovation, even when it means short-term sacrifices.

5. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, shares his incredible journey of turning a $50 startup into a global powerhouse. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up.

Key takeaway:

Perseverance, passion, and bold decision-making are key to turning a dream into a billion-dollar business.

6. The Virgin Way: If It's Not Fun, It's Not Worth Doing by Richard Branson

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, brings his signature charm to this book. He shares lessons on leadership, innovation, and risk-taking while emphasising the importance of enjoying the journey of wealth-building.

Key takeaway:

Take calculated risks, stay true to your values, and never lose sight of the joy in your work.

7. How to Win at the Sport of Business by Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban, the self-made billionaire and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, offers no-nonsense advice about entrepreneurship, competition, and hustle. Drawing from his journey, this book is like a pep talk for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Key takeaway:

Outwork everyone, stay curious, and focus on learning more than you earn at the start.

8. The Real Deal: My Life in Business and Philanthropy by Sandy Weill

Sandy Weill, the man behind Citigroup, shares his rise from a stockbroker to a financial industry titan. This memoir provides powerful lessons about leadership, perseverance, and strategic thinking.

Key takeaway:

Stay resilient and adapt to challenges while building strong relationships in business.

9. Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz, the visionary behind Starbucks, takes readers through the challenges of bringing Starbucks back from the brink of failure. It’s a candid, inspiring story about leadership and sticking to your values during turbulent times.

Key takeaway:

Lead with integrity, listen to your customers, and ensure your business stays true to its core values.

10. Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s by Ray Kroc

Ray Kroc, the man who made McDonald’s a global empire, shares how he turned a small burger stand into the world’s largest fast-food chain. It’s a story about persistence, vision, and hard work.

Key takeaway:

Success doesn’t happen overnight; persistence, innovation, and scalable systems are key to long-term wealth building.

Conclusion

The path to wealth isn’t just about luck—it’s about mindset, perseverance, and learning from those who’ve already paved the way. These books offer genuine, actionable insights from billionaires who’ve built empires from the ground up. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone looking for practical financial wisdom, these reads are invaluable resources for achieving success and building long-term wealth.

Start reading, take action, and who knows—you might just be the next name on this list!