
Failing Up
How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $27.90
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Leslie Odom Jr.
-
By:
-
Leslie Odom Jr.
About this listen
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.Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Lessons on Success
- 17 Principles of Personal Achievement - Through Action & Attitude (Ignite Reads)
- By: Napoleon Hill
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Napoleon Hill's 17 Essential Principles of Personal Achievement have served as an encouraging and illuminating guide for those seeking to improve all areas of their lives for more than half a century. Lessons on Success is the book that keys listeners into Hill's distinct thought process - this is the complete and unabridged mind-power method for achieving your goals.
-
-
good book too short
- By eduardo diaz on 01-20-23
By: Napoleon Hill
-
Be Useful
- Seven Tools for Life
- By: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Narrated by: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The world’s greatest bodybuilder. The world’s highest-paid movie star. The leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke, but this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident. Arnold’s stratospheric success happened as part of a process. As the result of clear vision, big thinking, hard work, direct communication, resilient problem-solving, open-minded curiosity, and a commitment to giving back. All of it guided by the one lesson Arnold’s father hammered into him above all: be useful.
-
-
A Clear Concise picture of vision and purpose
- By Empress Karen on 10-10-23
-
Success 101
- What Every Leader Should Know
- By: John C. Maxwell
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Success is different for every person. But the principles for the journey don't change. In Success 101 John Maxwell distills success down to its essential components. In this short and easy-to-listen-to volume, he shows you exactly what success looks like. He also offers specific steps you can take and ways you can overcome obstacles that might otherwise keep you from achieving success. Success breeds success - in you, in those closest to you, and in everyone you lead.
By: John C. Maxwell
-
If Someone Says "You Complete Me," RUN!
- Whoopi's Big Book of Relationships
- By: Whoopi Goldberg
- Narrated by: Whoopi Goldberg
- Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the provocative and hilarious EGOT winner, best-selling author, and host of The View, Whoopi Goldberg, comes the perfect antidote to all those outdated relationship advice books in the world, weighing in on why marriage isn't for everybody, and how the life you want shouldn't be the life everyone else expects you to have. Now, Whoopi will speak openly about why marriage isn't for everyone, how being alone can be satisfying, and how what's most important is understanding who you are and what makes you happy.
-
-
Remind me of her long ago solo stand up routines!
- By shelley on 09-14-17
By: Whoopi Goldberg
-
The Five Elements of Effective Thinking
- By: Edward B. Burger, Michael Starbird
- Narrated by: Brian Troxell
- Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking presents practical, lively, and inspiring ways for you to become more successful through better thinking. The idea is simple: You can learn how to think far better by adopting specific strategies. Brilliant people aren't a special breed--they just use their minds differently.
-
-
Thinking about Thinking
- By Cynthia on 05-20-14
By: Edward B. Burger, and others
-
The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell
- Ignite Reads
- By: Paul Smith
- Narrated by: Paul Smith
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Paul Smith is one of the world's leading experts in business storytelling. He teaches people how to be more effective leaders by communicating their company's important mission, inspiring creativity, and earning the trust of valued stakeholders. The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell explores the journey behind success and breaks down not just the importance of your company's story, but how to craft compelling ones of your own.
-
-
So worth it
- By Ola on 07-25-22
By: Paul Smith
-
Lessons on Success
- 17 Principles of Personal Achievement - Through Action & Attitude (Ignite Reads)
- By: Napoleon Hill
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Napoleon Hill's 17 Essential Principles of Personal Achievement have served as an encouraging and illuminating guide for those seeking to improve all areas of their lives for more than half a century. Lessons on Success is the book that keys listeners into Hill's distinct thought process - this is the complete and unabridged mind-power method for achieving your goals.
-
-
good book too short
- By eduardo diaz on 01-20-23
By: Napoleon Hill
-
Be Useful
- Seven Tools for Life
- By: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Narrated by: Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The world’s greatest bodybuilder. The world’s highest-paid movie star. The leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke, but this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident. Arnold’s stratospheric success happened as part of a process. As the result of clear vision, big thinking, hard work, direct communication, resilient problem-solving, open-minded curiosity, and a commitment to giving back. All of it guided by the one lesson Arnold’s father hammered into him above all: be useful.
-
-
A Clear Concise picture of vision and purpose
- By Empress Karen on 10-10-23
-
Success 101
- What Every Leader Should Know
- By: John C. Maxwell
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Success is different for every person. But the principles for the journey don't change. In Success 101 John Maxwell distills success down to its essential components. In this short and easy-to-listen-to volume, he shows you exactly what success looks like. He also offers specific steps you can take and ways you can overcome obstacles that might otherwise keep you from achieving success. Success breeds success - in you, in those closest to you, and in everyone you lead.
By: John C. Maxwell
-
If Someone Says "You Complete Me," RUN!
- Whoopi's Big Book of Relationships
- By: Whoopi Goldberg
- Narrated by: Whoopi Goldberg
- Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the provocative and hilarious EGOT winner, best-selling author, and host of The View, Whoopi Goldberg, comes the perfect antidote to all those outdated relationship advice books in the world, weighing in on why marriage isn't for everybody, and how the life you want shouldn't be the life everyone else expects you to have. Now, Whoopi will speak openly about why marriage isn't for everyone, how being alone can be satisfying, and how what's most important is understanding who you are and what makes you happy.
-
-
Remind me of her long ago solo stand up routines!
- By shelley on 09-14-17
By: Whoopi Goldberg
-
The Five Elements of Effective Thinking
- By: Edward B. Burger, Michael Starbird
- Narrated by: Brian Troxell
- Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking presents practical, lively, and inspiring ways for you to become more successful through better thinking. The idea is simple: You can learn how to think far better by adopting specific strategies. Brilliant people aren't a special breed--they just use their minds differently.
-
-
Thinking about Thinking
- By Cynthia on 05-20-14
By: Edward B. Burger, and others
-
The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell
- Ignite Reads
- By: Paul Smith
- Narrated by: Paul Smith
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Paul Smith is one of the world's leading experts in business storytelling. He teaches people how to be more effective leaders by communicating their company's important mission, inspiring creativity, and earning the trust of valued stakeholders. The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell explores the journey behind success and breaks down not just the importance of your company's story, but how to craft compelling ones of your own.
-
-
So worth it
- By Ola on 07-25-22
By: Paul Smith
-
Master Your Time, Master Your Life
- The Breakthrough System to Get More Results, Faster, in Every Area of Your Life
- By: Brian Tracy
- Narrated by: Brian Tracy
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Master Your Time, Master Your Life, Tracy explains why tackling the right project at the right time is of the utmost importance. Based on the most recent research into the field of productivity as well as the author's personal experiences and those of his clients, Tracy argues that we may be stuck on something because of one simple thing: The timing isn't right.
-
-
Great material. Audio quality lacking.
- By Richard Fox on 02-05-17
By: Brian Tracy
-
Jump
- Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance
- By: Steve Harvey
- Narrated by: Mike Hodge
- Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On January 13, 2016, at the close of a taping of Family Feud, Steve Harvey spontaneously began to speak. Not knowing that the cameras were still rolling, the $100 million host offered his studio audience insights into his own happiness and success. His staff, also moved by Steve's passionate words, shared the riveting six-minute video on social media. The clip immediately went viral, with more than 58 million views worldwide!
-
-
I wish Steve read it
- By DPreciado on 12-06-16
By: Steve Harvey
-
The Gift of Failure
- And I’ll Rethink the Title If This Book Fails!
- By: Dan Bongino
- Narrated by: Dan Bongino
- Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Gift of Failure, leading conservative commentator Dan Bongino identifies failures in his life and how those failures led to bigger and better things. With the same laser-focused intensity that has made him one of America’s most popular voices, Bongino uncompromisingly cuts to the heart of failure with a collection that is inspirational, motivational, entertaining, touching, and redemptive.
-
-
inspirational
- By cheyenne trimble on 09-12-23
By: Dan Bongino
-
The Positive Side of the Street
- By: Napoleon Hill
- Narrated by: Barry Abrams
- Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between a penny and a million dollars. It does not know the difference between success and failure, and it'll work just as hard to make a failure out of you as it will to make a success out of you if you don't condition your mind to keep the subconscious mind working with and for the things you want and away from the things you don't want.
-
-
Needs a different narrator
- By Leandro Ybarra on 02-02-22
By: Napoleon Hill
-
Chasing Failure
- How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success
- By: Ryan Leak
- Narrated by: Ryan Leak
- Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Chasing Failure, Ryan Leak shares the science behind why people are afraid to fail, mixing in real-life stories and adding practical steps to help us intentionally chase failure in order to embrace the opportunities that come with it. Everyone fails in life — but if you’re willing to learn, improve, and grow because of your failures, you are already on the road to success.
-
-
Not for Me
- By John Brendan Garrison on 10-22-22
By: Ryan Leak
-
Born to Win
- Find Your Success
- By: Zig Ziglar, Tom Ziglar
- Narrated by: Andy Andrews
- Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a style that is unquestionably his own, Zig Ziglar has used his quick wit, down-home charm, and abundance of energy to inspire excellence in people throughout the world. Narrated by New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews, Zig's nonstop passion will inspire you as if you're sitting front row center in his sold-out seminar. In the Born to Win audio program and PDF workbook, you'll learn how to achieve balance by improving seven key areas of your life, develop a winner's attitude, build stronger relationships, and much more!
-
-
Deeply faith based success advice
- By Tyler Bradshaw on 09-26-20
By: Zig Ziglar, and others
-
Leadership 101
- What Every Leader Needs to Know
- By: John C. Maxwell
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a concise, straightforward style, Maxwell focuses on essential and time-tested qualities necessary for true leadership - influence, integrity, attitude, vision, problem solving, and self-discipline - and guides listeners through practical steps to develop true leadership in their lives and the lives of others.
-
-
Enjoyment
- By Amazon Customer on 06-06-19
By: John C. Maxwell
-
The Wisdom of the Native Americans
- By: Kent Nerburn
- Narrated by: Kaipo Schwab
- Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taken from writings, orations, and recorded observations of life, this audiobook selects the best of Native American wisdom and distills it to its essence in short, digestible quotes - perhaps even more timely now than when they were first written. In addition to the short passages, this edition includes the complete "Soul of an Indian", as well as other writings by Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman), one of the great interpreters of American Indian thought, and three great speeches by Chiefs Joseph, Seattle, and Red Jacket.
-
-
True insightful sacred wisdom to last a lifetime..
- By Prometheus Worley on 02-20-18
By: Kent Nerburn
-
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter
- By: Curtis 50 Cent Jackson
- Narrated by: Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his early 20s, Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent, rose to the heights of fame and power in the cutthroat music business. A decade ago, the multi-platinum selling rap artist decided to pivot. His ability to adapt to change was demonstrated when he became the executive producer and star of Power, a high-octane, gripping crime drama centered around a drug kingpin's family. The series quickly became "appointment" television, leading to Jackson inking a four-year, $150 million contract with the Starz network - the most lucrative deal in premium cable history.
-
-
The King of PETTY to Coach of the Chess team
- By Yas on 04-29-20
-
Magic Words
- The Science and Secrets Behind Seven Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence
- By: Tim David
- Narrated by: Walter Dixon
- Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Years of experience as a magician taught Tim David that real magic is all about words, and the way they influence the minds of the audience. What sets a professional magician apart from an amateur are people skills like communication, influence, and engagement - skills that are also effective in the workplace. By applying seven "magic" words in a business setting, David offers tools for effective and persuasive communication.
-
-
Very essential
- By Gerardo A Dada on 01-21-16
By: Tim David
-
You Owe You
- Ignite Your Power, Your Purpose, and Your Why
- By: Eric Thomas PhD, Chris Paul - foreword
- Narrated by: Eric Thomas PhD, Cary Hite
- Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you feel like success is for others, that only certain people get to have their dreams fulfilled, Eric Thomas’s You Owe You is your wake-up call. His urgent message to stop waiting for inspiration to strike and take control of your life is one he wishes someone had given him when he was a teenager—lost, homeless, failing in school, and dealing with the challenges of being a young Black man in America.
-
-
Not a motivational book
- By George on 09-26-22
By: Eric Thomas PhD, and others
-
Straight Shooter
- A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes
- By: Stephen A. Smith
- Narrated by: Stephen A. Smith
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stephen A. Smith has never been handed anything, nor was he an overnight success. Growing up poor in Queens, the son of Caribbean immigrants and the youngest of six children, he was a sports-obsessed kid who faced struggles, from undiagnosed dyslexia to getting enough cereal to fill his bowl. As a basketball player at Winston-Salem State University, he got a glimmer of his true calling when he wrote a newspaper column arguing for the retirement of his own Hall of Fame coach, Clarence Gaines.
-
-
Trash🗑
- By Maurice Davis on 01-25-23
By: Stephen A. Smith
Go Behind the Scenes with Leslie Odom Jr.
Our favorite moments from Failing Up

About the Creator and Performer
What listeners say about Failing Up
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dayna Vango
- 04-16-18
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.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 05-16-18
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
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Vernon
- 09-30-19
Great book
A surprisingly well thought out book, part instruction, part inspiration. A quick read. But well worth it...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- FALON GRAY
- 05-14-18
A story told so beautifully with many hidden gems
I truly enjoyed listening to the author narrate his story. His talent is splendid! Encore!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chris
- 10-26-19
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.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lotus Blossom
- 11-07-19
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.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Library Llama
- 12-14-18
Such an Inspiration!
This book will set you on fire and reaffirm that anything is possible with a little hard work.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- T. SLEDGE
- 05-03-18
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
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Nichole Smelter
- 10-25-22
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!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- B. nguyen
- 08-20-23
Delightful listen
Really enjoyed listening to this book, content and delivery was on point. Highly recommend to anyone looking to reignite their inner spark.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!