The 42-Minute Walk That Turned Grief Into a Leadership Legacy

Meri Stockwell has coached more than 600 emerging leaders over three decades. But this episode isn't about strategy decks or performance reviews. It's about grief, a 6 a.m. walking habit, and a Cavapoo who ended up with the unofficial title of Chief Cultural Officer. What started as a way to survive the loss of two dogs in two years turned into a weekly video series, a softer leadership style, and a reminder that legacy isn't only what you plan. Sometimes it's a leash, a sunrise, and a promise you keep to yourself every morning. Who This Is For • Leaders who think legacy only comes from titles, milestones, or grand plans • Anyone moving through grief and looking for a structure, not just advice, to help them process it • People curious how one small daily habit can rebuild confidence, health, and connection • Coaches and executives wondering whether a softer leadership style can also be a stronger one • Listeners who enjoy an unconventional creator story, this one involves a dog with an executive title Five Key Takeaways 1. After losing her two dogs, Sierra and Pebbles, within about two years of each other, Meri added the dates together, landed on 42, and committed to walking at least 42 minutes every morning at 6 a.m. as a way to move through grief rather than around it. 2. The walk led her to a Cavapoo she calls CC, after basketball player Caitlin Clark, whose presence softened how Meri shows up on camera and how she leads and coaches. 3. What started as a private ritual became Sunrise Saturday, a weekly video series filmed along Florida's Gulf Coast, where CC delivers three tips a week and always gets the last word. 4. The series built real community. Meri hears from high school classmates, neighbors, and strangers who recognize her and CC, with some videos reaching thousands of views. 5. Meri connects the ritual to all five fulfillment pillars: health (26 pounds lost and more consistency), mental fitness (staying present instead of stuck in grief), relationships (old friendships resurfacing and new ones forming), career (a more human coaching style), and legacy (built daily, not just planned for someday). Connect With Meri Stockwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meristockwellleadership/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meritas_advisorygroup TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meritasadvisorygroup/ Website: https://www.meritasadvisorygroup.solutions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meritasadvisorygroup8937 Watch this episode (all episodes) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifefulfilledpod Book Bernie Borges as a speaker at your next event: https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/speaking/ Download The Human Dividend White Paper: A Leader’s Guide to Human-Led AI Transformation https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/services/human-led-ai-transformation/ Learn more about the Human Dividend AI Assessment https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/human-dividend-ai-transformation-assessment/ Subscribe to the Weekly Fulfill newsletter https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/newsletter/ Music Attribution Old Bossa Twin Musicom Suno Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.