Moms on a Mission: Sheri Tomchick of Plan A and StaffStat
Together, Sheri’s companies, Plan A and StaffStat, have created an effective staffing strategy for senior care homes across Canada! Imagine 'Uber' for senior care—where 24 different designations and roles can seamlessly pick up shifts in over 750 nursing homes from coast to coast. This innovative approach not only enhances flexibility for health care employees, but most importantly ensures that senior care homes have the support they need, precisely when they need it, to ensure the care and safety of Canada's most vulnerable population.
Who are the women in your life—past or present—who inspire you to keep going, and how do you honour them in your journey?
The women in my life—both past and present—who inspire me to keep going are the ones who are chasing their dreams and growing through life's ups and downs while sharing their wisdom. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by them.
These inspiring women show up for themselves and for others. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They are real and authentic, cheer for each other, and create a space where everyone can be themselves.
Being around women like this teaches me how to give and receive support. Their strength motivates me to keep moving forward, and I honor them by trying to be just as supportive and authentic in my own life. Together, we lift each other up, and that makes the journey even better.
What part of your motherhood journey has most influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
My journey as a mom has greatly influenced my journey as an entrepreneur. As a mother, I know that my daughter is always watching and learning from me. This has made me more aware of my actions and has helped me become the kind of leader I want to be for my team.
I want to run a business that is built on honesty, that always does the right thing and that gives people a great place to work and to grow their careers. The values I teach my daughters —like honesty, hard work, and support—are the same values I bring to my work.
Being a mom inspires me to create a positive environment where my team can succeed, just like I want my daughter to succeed.
Has your definition of success changed since becoming a mother? How so?
Absolutely! My definition of success has changed significantly since becoming a mother. When I first started my business, like many entrepreneurs, I was focused on creating a job for myself and making money.
Over time, I’ve come to understand that success isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey of personal growth and transformation. To truly succeed, you must embrace growth, which involves looking inward, recognizing the attributes that may hold you back, and committing to doing the work necessary to add value to yourself and your team.
Success also means having the freedom to pursue my dreams from anywhere I choose. I cherish the ability to take time off and be present with my daughter when it matters most. Additionally, I appreciate the opportunity to be creative and bring my ideas to life every day.
What began as just a job has profoundly transformed my life and reshaped my understanding of what success truly means to me.
What values do you hope to model for your children through your work and leadership?
Through my work and leadership, I want to show my daughter some important values. First, I believe in genuinely taking care of the people under your leadership and being generous with love and praise. I want her to understand the importance of being honest and direct when giving feedback. I also want her to know that giving back to her community is essential.
I want her to recognize that hard work and achieving goals can be incredibly rewarding, and that relationships are what truly matter in life.
Most importantly, I want to teach her that you can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself first. Finding that balance is key to a happy life, and I hope to inspire her to prioritize her own well-being while still being caring and supportive to those around her.
What boundaries have you learned to set in order to protect both your family life and your business growth?
To protect both my family life and my business growth, I’ve learned to set clear boundaries that focus on what truly matters.
One important boundary is prioritizing quality time with my daughter. We both lead busy lives, and it’s easy to feel disconnected if we don’t carve out specific time each week just for us. This dedicated time helps me be fully present with her, keeping our connection strong.
I also make it a point to set aside specific time each day for self-care, whether it’s through exercise or simply taking a moment to breathe and recharge. This practice is essential for maintaining my mental and physical well-being.
Additionally, I’ve learned to say no to opportunities that don’t align with our values or that could drain my energy. As I’ve experienced success, I’ve also come to understand the importance of creating distance from those who are not genuinely happy for us. Surrounding myself with supportive and positive people is crucial for my well-being and the well-being of my family.
By establishing these boundaries, I can nurture both my family and my business, allowing each to thrive without compromising the other.
What legacy do you hope to leave—not just for your children, but for other women following in your footsteps?
The legacy I hope to leave is one of empowerment and authenticity for my daughter and for other women who may follow in my footsteps. I want to be remembered as a woman who was passionate, who wasn’t afraid to pursue her dreams, and who shared love and affection generously with those around her.
I want to be remember as someone who uplifted others and encouraged women to find their own strength. I hope my commitment to caring for my community makes a positive impact.
Ultimately, I hope to inspire other women to embrace their passions and support one another.
Learn more about Sheri and Plan A on her website: https://www.jointheateam.com/location/sudbury/