We had the good fortune of connecting with Casondra Burkley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casondra, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Without risks, there are no rewards. I believe that taking risks is a necessity if you desire to grow and achieve greatness. Taking risks has played a significant role in my career. If I never took any risks, I would not be a self-published author, have a successful private practice and have produced two successful stage plays. I see taking risks in a similar way of having faith. Faith is believing in something you cannot see. When you take a risk, you cannot see what lies ahead, but you have a strong belief that taking the risk will be worth it. Although, risks do not always work in your favor, the lessons learned are invaluable.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a published author, playwright, pastor, poet, international speaker, and licensed clinical social worker. I currently works in the medical field of social work, offering medical and mental health services to children with special needs along with running my own mental health private practice and non-profit: Conquering the Obstacles of Painful Experiences (C.O.P.E. Inc.), a 501 (c) (3) organization and C.O.P.E. PLLC, clinical private practice, which offers seminars, workshops, therapeutic and social services that assist individuals in taking what seemed to be a negative road block or obstacle in life and using it as a stepping stone to greatness.

I most proud of overcoming my own childhood trauma of being raised in poverty and overcoming a high school rape to give back to others in the way of social services and therapeutic interventions.

I want the world to know that your past does not have to define you, but it inform the path you take to grow, build and conquer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Saturday or Sunday brunch is a must in Houston. Catching a movie at iPic is always a great outing. I recently visited the rooftop cinema and it is definitely in the top 10 things to do again.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband David C. Burkley is my biggest cheerleader. It does not matter how big or small the idea is, his response is always, “let’s make it happen”. His support, encouragement and dedication to me means the world to me.

Website: www.morethancope.com

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Twitter: @morethancopeinc

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