We recently had the chance to connect with Martha Dockery and have shared our conversation below.
Martha, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are intentional. I wake up early, before the house comes alive, because that quiet time gives me space to lead with clarity. I start with prayer and meditation to ground myself, then review my calendar to map out priorities and ensure I’m focused on what matters most. I also get in a gym session cardio and weights because discipline in my body fuels discipline in my leadership.
That rhythm isn’t just about productivity, it’s about preparation. When I start strong, I’m better equipped to serve my teams, my studies, and my community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Martha Dockery, CEO of Superior Clinical Research and a clinical operations leader with more than two decades in this field. My journey started in monitoring and global trial management, but over the years I felt called to build something different: research that is rooted in community, trust, and representation.
What makes Superior Clinical Research unique is that we’re not just a site, we’re a bridge. We bring clinical trials into neighborhoods that have historically been overlooked, and we make sure that everyday people see themselves in the future of medicine. From minority-focused biobanking to community baby showers and health equity outreach, our work is about meeting people where they are and rewriting the research playbook.
For me, it has always been people, heart, and hustle. I’m proud to lead a brand that proves representation in research isn’t just a tagline, it’s the standard we’re building every single day.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother. She taught me that work isn’t just about earning a living, it’s about how you serve others while you do it. She worked hard for our family, but she also poured herself into the community, whether it was volunteering, helping neighbors, or showing up when people needed her most. From her I learned resilience, integrity, and the power of showing up with both strength and compassion. Those lessons shaped not only my work ethic, but also my commitment to building research that serves and uplifts communities.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
In 2021, my dear sister transitioned. She was my big sister, and I miss her deeply. She was my biggest cheerleader, the person who always believed in me, and so much of my success today is because of her love and support. That’s something I carry quietly, but it’s always with me.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. What you see is what you get with me. The public version of me is the same person my family, friends, and team know behind the scenes. I don’t put on a mask, whether I’m speaking on a stage, running a study, or sitting at my kitchen table, I lead with the same values of integrity, service, and heart. I believe that authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of both leadership and community.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When have you had to bet the company?
The biggest bet I ever made was starting Superior Clinical Research. I walked away from the security of corporate roles to build a site in Smithfield, North Carolina, because I knew my community deserved access to clinical trials. There was no safety net, just my own resources, my reputation, and a vision that research could look different.
Those early days were all risk. Would sponsors trust a new site? Would patients show up? Could I really build something sustainable in a place most people overlooked? But I believed in the mission so deeply that I put everything on the line.
That bet has paid off in ways bigger than revenue or contracts. It’s in the patients who tell me they finally feel seen in research, in the community leaders who invite us in, and in the growth of a brand that proves health equity isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,superiorclinicalresearch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superiorclinicalresearch/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superior-clinical-research-llc/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/SuperiorCLR
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@superiorclr
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superiorclr?_t=8dgoYtegDsJ&_r=1
