Preview
  • Failing Up

  • How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning
  • By: Leslie Odom Jr.
  • Narrated by: Leslie Odom Jr.
  • Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,704 ratings)

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Failing Up

By: Leslie Odom Jr.
Narrated by: Leslie Odom Jr.
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Publisher's summary

I can tell you’re a dreamer – you’re a human. We hope, we imagine, and believe daydreams will be realized. Then lives take shape, ambitions are shelved. What does it mean to be realistic?

Leslie Odom, Jr., became a household name when he originated the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway sensation Hamilton, a performance that won him the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. But before he could perform for sold-out audiences in one of the most massively successful shows of all time, Odom had to stop playing it safe and take the risk of a lifetime. Now, with the depth and poetic power he brought to the stage, Odom shares his story in his own voice.

Listen in as Odom recounts his dynamic path to success with sincerity and vigor bound to inspire, motivate, and ultimately, help you believe in your own potential. In his intimate retelling of childhood dreams — finally fully realized — Odom shares insights to lift up listeners and offers concrete actions they can immediately apply to their own lives. Honest and thoughtful, Leslie Odom, Jr., transforms sentiment into success.

Cover photo by Christopher Boudewyns.

©2018 Leslie Odom Jr. (P)2018 Audible, Inc.
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Go Behind the Scenes with Leslie Odom Jr.

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Our favorite moments from Failing Up

Identify your true passion
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Have you taken a step forward today?
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Open your heart to a new reality
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Beginners luck isn’t actually luck
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  • Failing Up
  • Identify your true passion
  • Failing Up
  • Have you taken a step forward today?
  • Failing Up
  • Open your heart to a new reality
  • Failing Up
  • Beginners luck isn’t actually luck

About the Creator and Performer

Leslie Odom Jr., is best known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the smash hit Broadway musical Hamilton, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Grammy Award as a principal soloist on the original cast recording. Making his Broadway debut in Rent at age 17, he also starred in the stage adaptation of Leap of Faith. His off-Broadway work includes Venice and the original staging of Hamilton, both at the Public Theater. He also starred opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda and Karen Olivo in a 2014 City Center Encores! revival of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick...Boom!. Odom was most recently seen on the big screen in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express. His previous film work includes the 2012 historical drama Red Tails, as part of an all-star cast that included Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., and David Oyelowo. On television, he starred in the cult-classic musical drama series Smash and had recurring roles on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and CBS’s Persons of Interest and CSI: Miami. In December 2017, Odom returned to the New York stage in a solo concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center—a cabaret-style performance that was also filmed for PBS’s Emmy Award-winning series Live from Lincoln Center, aired in April 2018. Odom is also a featured performer on the Audible Audiobook The Radical King.

What listeners say about Failing Up

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Trust the closed door!!

I thought this was profound. TRUST THE CLOSED DOOR. I love that!!!! Great voice! Nice to hear his story. Calm and easy to listen to book. I had no idea who this guy was but sounds like he is up and coming! Keep up the good work.

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Brilliant, wise, poinient

What a fabulous expression of respect for the learning process, the mentoring at every stage, and the heart it takes to fulfill one’s promise

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Great book

A surprisingly well thought out book, part instruction, part inspiration. A quick read. But well worth it...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A story told so beautifully with many hidden gems

I truly enjoyed listening to the author narrate his story. His talent is splendid! Encore!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This performance makes a great story better

This is the type of book audiobooks were made for. The story is focused and the author adds to every word with his performance. It is relevant as Leslie Odom Jr. is a active participant the success he is encouraging. It is accessible and the lessons could be applied to anyone.

My sole complaint is I was left wanting more. The part 2 of this book (if he ever writes it) “Its okay to Succeed” or what ever post failing up will be will be a great addition. How he took what he learned in the process with failing up and maintain or change as success happens.

Would recommend to popular book fans, arts fans, biographies fans, inspirational books fans, business book fans, entrepreneurs book fans, sports books fans, and more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Make your own way

I love the lessons Leslie talked about. A great listen. Make your dreams count. Make your own way and take control of your life. Empower your yes and no.

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Such an Inspiration!

This book will set you on fire and reaffirm that anything is possible with a little hard work.

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Very uplifting

I enjoyed the book it had many life lessons that will inspire anyone that is trying to break out of the box that society tries to put everyone one in. This book will show you that you can break free with some faith and determination and must be willing to fail without any apologies... when you are weak he is strong

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A constant go to

I love and recommend this title to all people, young and old. It’s quick, swift kick in the pants about self awareness, as well as being entertaining. A big thanks to Leslie for sharing his story!

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Delightful listen

Really enjoyed listening to this book, content and delivery was on point. Highly recommend to anyone looking to reignite their inner spark.

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