Meeting Professionals: Leslie Odom Jr. Feels Your Pain

"How do you define what you do?" Leslie Odom Jr. asked nearly 1,000 attendees of the 31st annual Destinations Showcase, held yesterday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Best known for originating the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton, Odom struggled to answer that question earlier in his career.
 
In fact, he was on the brink of abandoning his dreams and was applying for hotel jobs like night clerk, when he asked a trusted friend for advice. "We met at a Marie Callender's," he said, "and I poured out my heart over a pot pie."
 
His friend argued that it wasn't time to quit, because Odom hadn't really tried yet. His advice was to "get off the couch" and begin a fearless pursuit of his goals. It was a pivotal moment, says Odom, when he realized that he needed to take decisive actions, even if they led to failure.
 
Career successes followed, and Odom was again pushed -- this time by Billy Porter, who was directing him in the musical production Being Alive -- to raise his art to a higher level and let his emotions and passion take control. Odom recalls the exhilaration that followed: "Everything changed in an instant when I gave myself the room and the permission to fail spectacularly."
 
Now a Grammy and Tony Award winner, Odom shares his journey in his book, Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning. Following are excerpts from his inspiring keynote address, plus a video clip (below) of his moving rendition of "Without You" from the musical Rent.

"Knowing what you really do is not about your job title or what's written on your business card. Are you a nurturer, are you a networker, are you a problem solver, are you a teacher? That's what you do, regardless of whatever the job title is.
 
"I have several titles now, the actor/singer/producer kind of thing, but I've come to realize that what I really do is host people. It's very important to me, the experience that you have when you come into a space that I'm in charge of. So whether I'm on stage or TV or backstage, what I actually do is host. That's why I have so much respect for all of you who carry the ideal to the maximum. Some days, if you feel like you're in a thankless profession watching others enjoy the fruits of your labor without a second thought for you, I hope you'll remember what you truly do, beyond your title, and you'll see that the reward is in the execution of your vision and the application of your gifts.
 
"With a continued desire to learn and a willingness to fail, anything is possible. When you allow yourself to visualize your own possibilities, it is amazing how clearly and fully they can be manifested. A decisive change on the inside of you will eventually -- undoubtedly -- change the world around you.
 
"I wish I could have shown the guy I was six or seven years ago what his life was gonna look like the second he got off that couch and into action. Every single day I can strive for more clarity and specificity of my vision, and every single day I can take a single step toward seeing that vision manifest. There has been a steady wind at my back since being off the couch. When I prayed for guidance, or asked for it from friends, I have been aided and encouraged. Whenever I have taken my one step, the universe has always helped me take two. I believe the same will be true for you. I'm rooting for you and your rise. Give yourself the permission to prosper today."