Failing Up ─ How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning

Leslie Odom, Jr. burst on the scene in 2015, originating the role of Aaron Burr in the phenomenon Broadway musical "Hamilton." Since then, he has performed for sold-out audiences, sang for the Obamas at the White House, and won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.

But before "Hamilton," Leslie put in years of hard work as a singer and actor, from debuting on Broadway in "Rent" at 17-years-old to attending Carnegie Mellon University's prestigious School of Drama, where he graduated with honors, to landing the role of a lifetime. How did he do it?

Written in the style of a commencement speech, Failing Up brings together what Leslie has learned in life so far, tapping into universal themes of starting something new, following your passions, discovering your own potential, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Failing Up is about unlocking your true potential and making your dreams come true even when it seems impossible. Whether you're graduating from college, starting a new job, or just looking to live each day to the fullest, this is the perfect inspirational read as you embark on the journey ahead.

Leslie Odom, Jr. has most recently been seen in the blockbuster Broadway musical Hamilton, for which he won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for the role of “Aaron Burr.” He is a Grammy Award winner as a principal soloist on Hamilton’s Original Broadway Cast Recording, which won the 2015 award for Best Musical Theater Album. Odom, Jr. originated the role of “Burr” in a sold-out run at The Public Theater in 2015, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical and a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical.

As a recording artist, his self-titled debut album was part-funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign which raised $40,971. The album was released in 2014 by Borderlight Entertainment, Inc. Odom, Jr. has appeared on “Smash," “Law & Order: SVU," “Gotham,” “Person of Interest,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House of Lies,” “Vanished” and “CSI: Miami.” He is starring in the upcoming feature film Murder on the Orient Express.