Bernie Borges [00:00:00]:
We spend a lot of time talking about legacy as something that we plan for, a milestone, a title, a body of work. But sometimes legacy shows up in something much smaller, like a dog on a leash, a 6:00 AM walk, 3 tips shared with a camera on a Saturday morning. Today’s guest, Mary Stockwell, is a leadership coach who’s guided over 600 emerging leaders. But the part of her story that we’re exploring today started with grief and a walking commitment and an unexpected companion named Cece. What started as a way to process loss became a weekly video series, a shift in how Mary leads, and a title for Cece that nobody expected. This conversation is about how sometimes The smallest routines can carry the biggest impact, and why softness and strength were never opposites to begin with. We’re going to discuss why Mary committed to a 42-minute walk after losing 2 dogs in 2 years, how a Cavapoo named after Caitlin Clark, the basketball player, became her business’s chief cultural officer, why relationships built in small recurring moments carry outsized impact, and how this weekly ritual touches the 5 life pillars: health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy. Mary, welcome to the Life Fulfilled Podcast.
Meri Stockwell [00:01:42]:
Thanks so much, Bernie. It’s an honor for me to be here, and I look forward to having fun on this I am looking forward to this conversation.
Bernie Borges [00:01:58]:
I’m really excited to have you. Let me introduce you to my listener. You are the founder and CEO of Maritas Advisory Group. You are a leadership strategist. You’re a speaker and an executive coach, and you spent more than 3 decades helping organizations building strong leaders And you’ve coached, like I said in the intro, more than 600 emerging leaders. Now today, we’re talking about a different side of your work though. Every Saturday morning, Barry, you and your Cavapoo, CeCe, who we’ll meet here shortly, you head out for a sunrise walk along Florida’s Gulf Coast to share a simple message of leadership, hope, and connection through a video series that you call Sunrise Saturday. So Mary, in this conversation, let’s get into how this walking routine was born out of loss and how it’s become a source of connection for people from every stage of your life and what it’s teaching you about leading with more heart.
Bernie Borges [00:03:05]:
So give us the backstory, Mary. Let’s start there. Give us the backstory on this Saturday morning ritual.
Meri Stockwell [00:03:12]:
So within 2 years, I lost my 2 adorable schnoodles, Sierra and Pebbles. The morning after Pebbles crossed the rainbow bridge, when I woke up, I mean, the house was empty. There was no pitter-patter of little feet, no immediate need to go out for a walk or do the things that I had been doing for 16 years, actually. And so my, you know, they were part of my family and the rhythm of my life. Really. And after they were gone, you know, the house and my morning just felt very, very different. So really in that instant, I added the dates of their death. I know it might sound odd, the dates that they crossed the Rainbow Bridge together, and that number equaled 42.
Meri Stockwell [00:04:02]:
So I made myself a promise every morning, 6 o’clock. At least 42 minutes I would walk. Not a fitness challenge. It was really a way to keep me moving through grief.
Bernie Borges [00:04:17]:
Okay. And this was alone, right? Mary, you were doing this alone?
Meri Stockwell [00:04:21]:
Yep. Yep. So some mornings I thought, some mornings I cried, some mornings I simply noticed the world waking up, which is very much the beauty of Sunrise Saturday. I worked on my positive intelligence practice, which helped me stay present with what I was feeling inside instead of getting trapped in it. I got faster. I could complete more miles in my 42 minutes.
Bernie Borges [00:04:53]:
Okay.
Meri Stockwell [00:04:54]:
And over time, I lost 26 pounds.
Bernie Borges [00:04:58]:
Wow.
Meri Stockwell [00:05:00]:
So although the deeper transformation was rebuilding trust within myself, 26 pounds and counting.
Bernie Borges [00:05:07]:
Okay. So you were using this time as a way to sort of work through your grief. And incidentally, I think, you know, I shared with you that we had a dog for 14 years and lost him as well. It’s been about 3 years now. And I know the grief that you experience. It’s very real. So I’ve walked in those shoes. Um, and then I know that a part of your story was you, if I remember correctly from our conversation, you didn’t quite feel ready for another dog, but a moment happened, right? Why don’t you tell us about that?
Meri Stockwell [00:05:44]:
Yeah, I really wasn’t ready. And I didn’t, I honestly didn’t think that I was ready or that I would have another dog. You know, part of me feared opening my heart up to that kind of loss again. Then there was a moment as I was walking through Bel Air, it was very early in the morning, and sometimes in Bel Air there are coyotes. So I always have that in the back of my mind. And all of a sudden, the big houses in Bel Air, this little itsy bitsy dog comes out of the gate, the gated house. And he was just like, just walked right in front of me and just like stopped. So I stopped to pick the dog up and I’m like, oh my God.
Meri Stockwell [00:06:29]:
Like I was like nervous. And then I looked and there was the owner on the other side of the gate. And, um, I just kind of held the dog and then I like went to give him the dog back through the gate. And he goes, well, you could just put her on the bottom. She’ll walk through. I’m like, okay. And then I, I started walking and I turned around and I stopped and I said, you’ll never know how much picking your dog up just meant to me. And then, you know, like crying, I’m like, I lost, I lost my dog Pebbles just a couple days ago.
Meri Stockwell [00:07:03]:
And I said, this really was helpful to me. So, you know, I think something shifted in me at that time. And I started to think maybe There’ll be a time where I will welcome a new little lady in the house. And it still took a little bit of time. Schnoodles are really hard to come by. They’re a cross between a Schnauzer and a poodle. So I’m like, do I want a schnoodle again? Or am I willing to, you know, look at something different? Well, my sister’s neighbor had a Cavapoo. And the neighbor started sending me messages through Messenger, these pictures of these Cavapoos.
Meri Stockwell [00:07:46]:
And I’m like, oh, well, they’re really cute. And, um, so I, I found a Cavapoo breeder in, in Sarasota. So I, I, I, um, drove down and met the litter, was really nervous, still uncommitted. And, um, When I got there, I ran into some unexpected connections to my own family story. As I arrived to the home where the breeder was, there was a young boy who was attached to some medical equipment and he was nonverbal. And when I came through the door, he just came with open arms and just hugged me so tightly. And the parents were really taken aback because apparently this was quite out of character. And I mean, I, I hugged him right back.
Meri Stockwell [00:08:43]:
And, um, and each of the children named the dogs, so they named the puppies. I mean, that’s probably not the name that the owners kept, but they all named them. And one of them was named Gracie. And my great niece, Adriana Grace, was severely handicapped before she passed, or her whole life. And her middle name was Grace. And here we have this young boy fully embracing me, like the parents were shocked that it never happened. And then there’s this dog named Gracie. And I’m like, this is really comfortable to me.
Meri Stockwell [00:09:23]:
And I think it’s sending a signal. I didn’t go see Gracie. I went to see Um, we know her now as CeCe, but they called her Coral. And, um, Okay. Mainly because, you know, you’ve met her, you know that she’s really brattish. Um, anyways, they called her Coral. And so all the other puppies super interested in me. CeCe, not so much, not so much at all.
Meri Stockwell [00:09:50]:
She was rather having fun playing, flipping around with the with the other puppies. And then they, they, when they went to feed the puppies, CeCe was right there at it. I mean, she was like wanting to eat and I’m like, yeah, I think it’s for me. So I said, you know, I’ll wait and I’ll let you know tomorrow. So of course I couldn’t stop thinking about her. And so the next day I said, yeah, please start calling her CeCe.
Bernie Borges [00:10:15]:
Okay. So Cavapoo, CeCe, and the, out of that was your, your new Your new dog relationship, even though you didn’t necessarily plan it that way, but it came together that way. You shared some of the family and emotional story back there. So I know that this led to a ritual that you do every Friday and every Saturday. And I want you to talk about that, Mary, and talk about the meaning behind that. But first, let’s meet Cece. Let’s bring her for my listener who’s listening only. You’ve got to see this on video.
Bernie Borges [00:10:51]:
So, so, let’s, let’s have you come on and make a quick appearance here because you are a big part of the story. Most AI initiatives don’t fail because of the technology. They fail because leaders don’t plan the human side. There’s a fear tax and a meaning gap that’s draining your team’s performance right now, and most leaders don’t even know it. Our Human Dividend assessment measures both across 4 dimensions: reducing fear, creating clarity, preserving meaning, and building adaptability. It’s a structured diagnostic that you take online alone or with your team. It includes a debrief call, a custom report that’s built around your team, and specific next actions that turn insight into ROI. for your business and your people.
Bernie Borges [00:11:48]:
To learn more about the Human Dividend Assessment— there’s Cece, just a beautiful— kind of like a redhead, right?
Meri Stockwell [00:11:55]:
Yeah, she’s definitely a redhead.
Bernie Borges [00:11:58]:
Yeah, just a beautiful dog and really a very unique breed, Cavapoo. I was not familiar with this breed before I met her. She’s gorgeous. She’s gorgeous. I can see how you fell in love with her instantly. So tell us about what you do with Cece on Fridays. In preparation for Saturday morning?
Meri Stockwell [00:12:18]:
So yeah, it’s an interesting process that I take. And, um, it was never really a marketing plan. It grew naturally from the walks, the conversations I was having, what was happening in the world. So on Friday, I create a simple mind map, really centered around one question, which is, what does the world need to hear this week? What do they need? Then I think about what I experienced, conversations that I might’ve had, uh, what lessons might be, what Cece would say, and then kind of come up with 3 tips. Cece always gives the tips. Um, so we go through and we actually draw out a whole mind map, which is what I carry in my pocket on our walk. Um, you know, I read through it a couple times in the morning. And then some of the plans change.
Meri Stockwell [00:13:11]:
I mean, some of the best plans change. I mean, we could run into somebody or something that occurred along our way that changes everything. The rain could change it. The temperature could change it. You know, other dogs that are, you know, in the area where we’ve decided to film at. All of these things could change what the message is. But we film in and around Bel Air, Bel Air Bluffs. The Gulf Coast of Florida and along the Intracoastal.
Meri Stockwell [00:13:39]:
So some, most of the time we’re walking. Sometimes we ride though. Sometimes we ride over the bridges and we’ll pick a bridge to ride on. So we do that. See, she always gets the last word. Oh, usually involves something funny with a treat because we know she loves treats. And Sunrise Saturday really, it began as a message. And it became a ritual and then it became a community.
Bernie Borges [00:14:07]:
Okay, let’s unpack that, the community part of it, because you haven’t been doing it all that long, right? How long have you been doing it now?
Meri Stockwell [00:14:15]:
Well, Sunrise Saturday in its form today started on January 1st.
Bernie Borges [00:14:20]:
Okay, so less than a year at the time of this recording. You mentioned community, Mary. Elaborate on that because I know you’ve been getting some Really great interaction with your videos. So what do you mean by community?
Meri Stockwell [00:14:34]:
I mean, people stopping us on the street. I mean, classmates that I haven’t heard from for years. I mean, the number of views from Instagram or TikTok or Facebook, it’s really unbelievable. And I think what’s so unbelievable about that is that you always don’t know Who’s listening? I’ve had a high school friend pick up the phone and say, Stockwell, your messages are amazing. All of my family’s listening to them. All of our high school classmates are listening to them. You have no idea the people’s lives that you are touching with these stories. Cece and I were walking around our neighborhood and one of my neighbors who’s a firefighter, He pointed at Cici and said, oh, how’s the Chief Cultural Officer today? And I did a double take and I’m like, Dave.
Meri Stockwell [00:15:30]:
And he’s like, yeah, I listen. And I’m like— Okay.
Bernie Borges [00:15:35]:
Well, okay. So I was going to go there next. So you kind of bridged to it and that’s the title. You gave Cici this title of Chief Cultural Officer. What’s behind that, Mary?
Meri Stockwell [00:15:48]:
Well, Yeah, it’s interesting. And I think that other people really started giving her that title. You know, it started playfully, really, although it became surprisingly accurate, right? So I view culture not only as what a company says it values, I think it’s also how people feel about when they’re around you. Cici makes that connection. She creates the connection. She lowers defenses. She brings joy. She also softened me, which was really important, maybe more important than I realized or recognized it should.
Bernie Borges [00:16:32]:
How so, Mary? When you say she softened you, how did you, A, realize that, and what’s the meaning of that to you?
Meri Stockwell [00:16:41]:
Well, you know, I think when you film a puppy, you know, control is almost always an illusion. And interestingly enough, CeCe rarely shows her face in the videos. I mean, I think there’s been 3 that she actually may show her face. Mostly she’s up on my shoulder like this and her head’s like that, almost always. So she made me less concerned about being perfectly polished and more comfortable being fully present. That has really influenced how I lead and how I coach.
Bernie Borges [00:17:18]:
And speaking of that, what is the connection to what you’re doing with Cece on these Sunrise Saturday morning videos? What is that connection to who you are Professionally, you know, you’re a leadership strategist, you’ve been doing it for decades. So how is what you’re doing with CC now and Saturday Morning, Sunrise Saturday, how does that integrate into who you are professionally?
Meri Stockwell [00:17:46]:
I think it integrates pretty well, really. So earlier in my career, I focused heavily on strategy, execution, and performance. Those things still matter to me today, and they’re very important. Today, I understand more deeply that people perform best when they feel seen, connected, and safe enough to be human. So my leadership became softer and the impact became stronger. And these videos, people that I coach, potential clients, they’ll ask, how’s Cece? How’s Cece doing? There’ll be people that I might have a new client that I’m speaking with, And of course they may do their homework and they’re saying, hey, I saw on LinkedIn this video that you do with your, with your dog, Cece. I love them. You know, so they’re conversation starters.
Meri Stockwell [00:18:37]:
And Cece pretty routinely will pop into a team meeting, you know, a group of emerging leaders that I’m coaching or a one-to-one session or an organization strategy session. I don’t even allow that to bother me. I mean, I just think it’s naturally part of the rhythm of the business today. I think it’s quantum leaps in growth.
Bernie Borges [00:19:02]:
So then, how would you characterize what this podcast is all about, the Life Fulfilled Podcast? How would you characterize your sense of fulfillment as you partner with your Chief Cultural Officer to do the these Saturday morning videos and then some, like you said, she makes an appearance on, on some of your video calls as well. So how is all of this contributing to your fulfillment?
Meri Stockwell [00:19:31]:
That’s a great question. I mean, I think it fills me with joy for sure, but using, using your framework of your 5 pillars of fulfillment, I think from a health standpoint, You know, the walk made me more active and helped me lose 26 pounds. More importantly, it taught me that consistency matters more than intensity. Mental fitness, which I’ve been practicing for many years, but the mental fitness aspect of positive intelligence helps me stay present, respond with more clarity instead of becoming controlled, you know, by every thought or emotion. Relationships. I think the ritual deepened old relationships, some going back 45-plus years, and created new ones with neighbors, classmates, and clients, and total strangers. Even at the coffee shop, we’ll be recognized like, hey, you’re the one that does those videos. From a career standpoint, I think it changed how I coach leaders.
Meri Stockwell [00:20:35]:
I still care deeply about results, I now see even more clearly that alignment begins with humanity.
Bernie Borges [00:20:42]:
Amen to that.
Meri Stockwell [00:20:44]:
And legacy. I once thought that legacy was something that we left behind. Even in Sunrise Saturday, we do several legacy segments. I’ve done several now. And now I believe it has also built the way we live today. And when you kind of transform that thought in your mind, every action you take today, you know, leaves a footprint for the future.
Bernie Borges [00:21:11]:
Yeah, I couldn’t agree more. I think you know that I talk a lot about the fact that legacy is not just how you’re remembered down the road, but the impact you have today. So clearly, you’re doing that. I’m wondering, Mary, if there’s a recent, and it doesn’t have to be recent, but if there’s video that was memorable in some way? Just, you know, one where, uh, not, not asking you to recite it word for word, but, you know, some points maybe that you covered that were memorable or that people maybe remarked on, that kind of thing that you might want to share?
Meri Stockwell [00:21:49]:
Yeah. Um, the first, the first Sunrise Saturday that I filmed without CeCe, um, I was actually in Miami. So, it felt a little odd, but I was in Miami for something that really brings me great joy, yet I felt guilty leaving her, right? So, the message then kind of became refilling my own cup, refilling your own cup to the audience. But for me, it was filling my cup. So, I went to some unrivaled basketball games, a doubleheader on a Saturday. So, I flew to Miami in the morning and flew back in the evening. And at the same time got 2 great basketball games in and a great dinner, Cuban dinner in Miami Beach. So it was great.
Meri Stockwell [00:22:37]:
And it was really all about filling your cup. That particular episode had over 7,000 views and so many people calling and saying, I’m so glad you went. How was it? And then how was it leaving CeCe? And then your message was incredible. And thank you for the reminder. And I think the lesson that I took away from that is that joy is not selfish. Restoration helps us return with more to give.
Bernie Borges [00:23:06]:
I think a big takeaway for me, Mary, as I listen to your story, we started this conversation by sharing the part of your story where you were grieving the loss of your Your 2 first dogs. And so that season was a season of grief and how even though you weren’t necessarily looking for a new pet to come into your life, because life happens and I believe everything happens for a reason, CeCe came into your life. And, and now as a result of CeCe coming into your life, You have more than just a dog, a pet, right? She’s the Chief Cultural Officer and you’re leveraging a relationship with her in a way that is impacting your legacy because of the impact that you’re having on people because of the message that you’re delivering on these Sunrise Saturday videos. And it’s just, it’s a wonderful story and a reminder to us how We can be in the middle of a season that’s painful, like you were when you were grieving. And it wasn’t too long after that where you started this new season. And now not only are you experiencing joy with CeCe, but you’re having this amazing impact on other people. That’s my takeaway.
Meri Stockwell [00:24:30]:
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Bernie Borges [00:24:32]:
Any, any closing thought from this conversation before we get to your contact information? which I’ll ask you to share. Any closing thought that maybe we haven’t covered that you want to share?
Meri Stockwell [00:24:46]:
Well, I’ll share a little bit about your work, how we met, and the work that you’re doing every day. I think that Sunrise Saturday fits well into your fulfillment arc and your 5 pillars. So I am deeply gratified to have been invited to your podcast. enjoyed our conversation. Sunrise Saturday is a gift. It’s a gift to me. It’s a gift to others. And you recognizing that brings me great joy.
Bernie Borges [00:25:18]:
Thank you. And I think gift is really the right word. It is a gift to you. And like you said, a gift to others. And it’s wonderful for you to be sharing that gift with so many others. So let me invite you to share your contact information, Mary. Someone listening that wants to connect with you, just learn more about everything you’ve got going on, where can we send them?
Meri Stockwell [00:25:40]:
You can find me on LinkedIn, Meri Stockwell, easy to find, M-E-R-I. On there, you’ll find a link to a 15-minute iced coffee chat if you’d like to have a few minutes with me. I love doing them and people really enjoy doing them. They’re quite impactful. You can find the episodes of Sunrise Saturday on all social platforms, Meritas Advisory Group, M-E-R-I-T-A-S Advisory Group. So that’s TikTok, Instagram, they’re all there. And our website is meritasadvisorygroup.solutions.
Bernie Borges [00:26:21]:
Fantastic. Well, my listener knows that all that will be linked up in the show notes, which is really easy to just scroll over to. And tap away to connect with you, Mary. Mary, I want to thank you and Cece for joining me here today on this episode of the Life Fulfilled Podcast. As Cece continues to hang on your shoulder and look over to the left. And again, I want to encourage my listener to become a viewer for this episode. If you’re not on YouTube, you can also just go over to the show notes and tap over to, to the YouTube channel. So again, Mary, thank you so much.
Bernie Borges [00:26:59]:
I enjoyed the conversation. I love what you’re doing and look forward to just continuing to follow all of your Sunrise Saturday videos.
Meri Stockwell [00:27:08]:
Thank you, Bernie. I enjoyed being here.
