Meet Cedric Hoard | Cedric Dale Hoard, MS, LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor, Speaker, & Spoken Word Artist

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

Hi Cedric, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
A guiding factor that has been the foundation of my journey and success is the desire to pursue purpose rather than chase significance. Purpose acts out of love, while significance seeks love. Purpose is about how you SEE others, whereas significance is about how you want others to SEE you.

This wasn’t always my outlook, but rather a perspective that has evolved over time, shaped by challenges and experiences. Embracing purpose has empowered me to discern what to prioritize, helping me to focus on my passions rather than obligations. It has sparked greater creativity, clarity, and peace. This shift in mindset has allowed me to find rest and place more trust in God than in my own abilities. I believe this change in perspective has been pivotal in my journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Much of my creativity has been fueled by curiosity. I am grateful for the resources that God has provided in this world, allowing me to express that curiosity in impactful and beautiful ways. This is how I see myself—as a poet and communicator through spoken word, I am able to weave together curiosity, words, metaphors, and imagery to craft messages that resonate deeply.

It still surprises me that poetry has become a profession. The first poem I ever wrote was for a mandatory speech class in college. This class offered an opportunity to finally step into courage, I shared a poem I had written months earlier, and to my surprise, it received a standing ovation from my classmates. This pivotal moment opened doors on campus and set the stage for the opportunities that have since then.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to downtown Milwaukee. There we would enjoy a Milwaukee Bucks game at the Fiserv Forum. After the game, we would walk a few steps from the Fiserv to my favorite cookie spot- Insomnia Cookies. I would also take them to UpDown, an adult arcade spot that has some great games and delicious pizza. I love brunch, so my friend and I would have a wide variety of choices of brunch spots- Sweet Diner, Golden Nest, or Honeyberry Cafe. My friend would also have their choice of a wide variety of museums that Milwaukee has to offer- The Art museum, Discovery World, or the Public Museum that always has new and upcoming exhibits. Lastly, I would take my friend to 3rd Avenue Market place, where they would have a choice of cuisines from various different cultures, indoor golf simulation, and other fun activities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many individuals who have profoundly impacted my journey. While I can’t possibly name them all, their contributions are deeply appreciated in my heart. I must express my gratitude to my wife, Tierra, whose love, support, resilience, and determination inspire me to persevere. I also want to acknowledge my parents for being the foundation that nurtured my talents and gifts.

My clients deserve a shoutout as well, as they are an example of courage and resilience daily, teaching me valuable lessons in caring for others. I’m also grateful for the guidance and wisdom of a few “mentors from afar”. Although I do not have relationships with met them personally, individuals like Dan Allender, Jay Stringer, Ezekiel Azonwu, Jackie Hill Perry, Pastor Keith Battle, and Pastor Peter Scazzero have impacted me profoundly through their words, talents, and perspectives.

Website: cdhspeaks.com

Instagram: cedricdalehoard

Youtube: Cedric Dale Hoard

Image Credits
Amanda Evans Photography Blessed Visuals Yours Truly Photography- Calen Nelson