(jonathanfields.com) – On this first Monday of the New Year, I thought how powerful it would be to share J.K. Rowling’s marvelous 2008 Harvard commencement speech on failure and imagination, two things she illuminates in a way that brings fresh life to their power and impact as we look ahead.

Listen to her words, watch her energy as she speaks.

Fifteen years ago, she was unknown to the world, a young divorced mother living near poverty. In this speech, you’ll see a glimpse into what took her from there to being the creator of a series of books that have sold more than 400 million copies, earned her over a billion dollars and created the opportunity for her to do what she’s here to do.

Read the rest and see video of the speech here!