‘Shark Tank’ Star Robert Herjavec: 6 Books He Recommends That Will Make You Rich

Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images
Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images

Robert Herjavec is best known as an investor on the hit show “Shark Tank,” but the self-made multimillionaire and founder of the Herjavec Group (a cybersecurity firm now known as Cyderes) does more than just devote his time to judging and investing in budding entrepreneurs on the hit ABC show.

When he’s not shaping the future of startups, he’s an avid reader and he often takes to social media to recommend books that have graced his coffee table. Keep reading for a closer look at six titles that have received Herjavec’s stamp of approval.

Also see Herjavec’s best tips for building wealth.

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‘Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive’ by Harvey Mackay

This seems like a natural place to start and it’s no surprise that a “shark” like Herjavec would be drawn to it. “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive” author Harvey Mackay is a veteran businessman who has witnessed plenty of turmoil in the corporate world. Herjavec isn’t alone in being a fan: The book has sold nearly 2 million copies and anyone looking to climb the corporate ladder to success would be hard-pressed to find a better guide.

Mackay offers tips on everything from selling more effectively to transforming disinterested leads into satisfied clients and managing the barrage of information that’s necessary for success with what the author calls the “Mackay 66” system.

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‘Living With No Excuses’ by Noah Galloway

This inspiring narrative was written by a military hero who’s no stranger to television himself. Despite losing an arm and a leg in combat, Noah Galloway made a name for himself as a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Through the challenges and victories Galloway describes in his autobiography, he emphasizes that maintaining a sense of humor and a positive perspective is critical when you’re facing the sometimes-significant obstacles life can put in your path.

The book describes Galloway’s Alabama boyhood, the eventful and illustrious military career that would change his life in unexpected ways and his life-defining experience of losing two limbs during Operation Iraqi Freedom. There’s little doubt as to why Herjavec chose this book as a personal pick, as Galloway’s story illustrates the tenacity and resolve required to succeed when you’re facing seemingly impossible odds and investors facing unexpected losses can draw many lessons from Galloway’s experiences.

‘DarkMarket: How Hackers Became the New Mafia’ by Misha Glenny

In our always-online era, the internet is as close as the phone in your pocket and the boundaries between where the net ends and where our private and personal lives begin grow blurrier every day. With more and more sensitive information held in cloud storage by banks, healthcare providers and other institutions, cybercrime is a growing threat, even for people who don’t venture to dark websites or engage in risky online behavior.

Many people forget that Herjavec is also a cybersecurity expert, which may explain his interest in this title. “DarkMarket” details the ever-emerging threats that are present online and how law-enforcement agencies are struggling to handle them. Anyone interested in protecting their personal financial information may find some useful takeaways in this book. “DarkMarket” is a compelling read that examines the intricate details not just of cybercrime but also of industrial cyber espionage and cyber warfare.

‘The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage’ by Daymond John

Herjavec’s next pick, which comes from fellow shark Daymond John, offers a candid look into how he became a self-made millionaire by turning his home-sewn T-shirt business into the Fubu brand, a $6 billion global sales empire.

John draws from his own journey as an entrepreneur and branding mentor, offering insights from behind the scenes of “Shark Tank “and tales from other entrepreneurs who started from nothing and found their way to wealth.

Sections of the book outline how the “power of broke” drove entrepreneurs like Steve Aoki, an EDM DJ who transformed a series of $100 gigs into global stardom and Gigi Butler, a former house cleaner from Nashville who established a cupcake empire with little more than a family recipe, maxed-out credit cards and determination.

In a nod to the show’s influence, the book also highlights the story of 11-year-old “Shark Tank” applicant Mo Bridges, who, much like John, created a successful clothing line using his grandmother’s sewing machine, a collection of loose fabric and his distinctive fashion sense. Bridges’ story, like John’s, is an inspiring look at what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur.

‘The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster: It’s Your Turn To #JoinTheRide’ by Darren Hardy

Game recognizes game and Herjavec’s endorsement of “The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster,” no doubt, comes naturally. In it, Darren Hardy shares the most effective strategies he’s learned, including the four crucial skills that are vital for entrepreneurial victory: sales, recruiting, leadership and productivity.

He also cautions against challenges you’ll face and how to tackle the fear, doubt and potentially debilitating beliefs you may have to overcome to realize your goals. Hardy counsels readers to cultivate skills like independence, self-motivation and self-accountability and shares some secrets that can keep you out of the 66% of new enterprises that ultimately fail.

‘Why I Run: The Remarkable Journey of the Ordinary Runner’ by Mark Sutcliffe

Herjavec and many other entrepreneurs will tell you that the road out of the rat race is a long one and the go-the-distance discipline needed for successful investing is akin to what marathon runners must nurture in themselves.

It’s no wonder that Herjavec recommends this immersive and uplifting story by a 13-time marathon runner and the founder of iRun magazine. In it, Mark Sutcliffe encourages readers to view running not simply as exercise but as a life-altering journey. This collection of stories from newspaper articles, magazine features and blog posts by Sutcliffe is an engaging narrative of his transformation from casual exerciser to passionate devotee.

Sutcliffe shares not only his own experiences but also those of other runners who have inspired him along his long route. He draws on a self-deprecating sense of humor, humility and insight. Together, they offer both motivation and entertainment and are likely to resonate with anyone looking for long-haul inspiration.

Who Knew Sharks Could Read?

The journey to success requires patience, perseverance and, if Herjavec is any indication, a good book to read along the way. These recommendations from Herjavec offer valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, business strategy and what it takes to beat the odds and achieve personal success.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or always on the lookout for a good read, these six books may offer the insight you need to gain a new perspective or plant the seed of an idea that sprouts into something remarkable — your own success story.

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