Long before Hamilton hit, Leslie Odom, Jr. was in a rut. After a frustrating dry spell, he sought advice from actor and talent agent Stuart K. Robinson, who eventually became his father-in-law.
In his book, Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning, Leslie recalled how Robinson commiserated, then served up a little tough love.
What Leslie didn’t know was that some of those ideas would make room for his future.
For instance:
* Stuart suggested that Leslie tide over his cash flow with a jazz combo. When PBS asked years later to tape a solo concert at Lincoln Center, he was ready.
* Stuart also encouraged Leslie to audition for commercials, another high-profile move.
* And he recommended that Leslie remind his network he was free after a successful CSI: Miami run. Part of that availability reminder led to landing the role of Aaron Burr.
Leslie’s powerful insight was: “It’s possible to marry a meager talent to enduring success with a strong work ethic. It is just as possible to squander a major talent with laziness and inaction.”
The case study shows that even the most talented people can’t hang out, waiting to get lucky.
Success ultimately hinges on mastering two items: Skills and self-confidence. No opportunity will work if you don’t have chops and believe you’re the right fit.
The good news is that it’s easy to address both items at once. Equip yourself while you’re waiting for your next break.
To be clear, producers’, directors’, and talent agents’ decisions were out of Leslie’s hands. Still, he had discretion over the rest, which meant he could choose to take consistent actions on his own behalf.
So, what self-limiting beliefs might be blocking your talent? Dismantling them isn’t wishful thinking. It’s a practical way to demonstrate marketable skills like creative thinking, healthy self-esteem, and tenacity.
Here are common concerns I’ve heard and simple ways to change talking about it to being about it:
The September series Don’t Miss the Assignment has focused on using soft skills to get the How right. Superstar performers know that completing tasks is the tip of the iceberg. Educating yourself about people is the real assignment. Acing that class requires using emotional intelligence, solid judgment, and curiosity.
Here’s a recap of people we’ve met who kept learning and stayed teachable:
* Dolly Parton stayed open to collaborating, skipped settling scores, and used her creative energy for philanthropy and mentoring. When problem people showed up, Dolly kept it classy, kept it moving, and allowed grit and persistence to speak for her.
* General James Mattis explained how Marines keep Reading Lists as a tool for continuous learning. Mimic the Marines and leverage quantifiable knowledge with your lived experience. That’s how you’ll earn a reputation for a stellar POV.
* Cathie Black was startled when a charity board went silent about her Big Idea. Instead of being argumentative, she listened to uncomfortable feedback. Like her, you can transform show-stopping friction into constructive conversations.
* And Leslie Odom, Jr. demonstrated that getting opportunities is only half the battle. Success begins by equipping yourself.
You know your likes, dislikes, interests, talents, and skills best. That means you are your best career counselor, manager, and advisor. So, volunteer for that cross-group team. Join a new affinity group. Have coffee with someone in a different job discipline to get the inside scoop before you leap.
Act like the creative, wise CEO of your life—a Soul Boss—and keep learning so you don’t miss the assignment.
