In February of 2025, the Greater Raleigh Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners hosted a luncheon where the panel topic was “Women Leading Forward: Business Success in a Post-DEI Era”, and, as a member of that panel, Sertrice Shipley was truly inspiring, energizing and helpful. As I continued to cross paths with Sertrice between the Greater Raleigh Chamber’s Triangle Small Business Week celebration and the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Advocacy Days in DC, I quickly realized that we are kindred spirits… It became increasingly apparent that, as long as an organization has employees and is ready to be intentional about the culture they’re building, Sertrice’s team is willing and able to support them. Focusing on outcomes and inclusion of all, Sertrice partners with employers looking to truly make a positive impact. She is so kind, generous, empathetic and impactful! As a psychology major whose favorite classes were in the industrial organizational psychology realm, I connect with Sertrice’s approach, I really took delight in the perspectives we share, and I am so excited to try out the app she mentioned here. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Sertrice Shipley

How would you describe the company you founded and its products?

Plan To Action is an inclusion and culture consulting firm dedicated to empowering organizational leaders to enact impactful, enduring culture transformations leading to more inclusive and equitable workplaces. With a focus on data-driven solutions, Plan To Action offers employee listening through surveys and focus groups, strategic planning, advisory support through our consulting retainer, inclusion committee and employee resource group development as well as customizable training to drive meaningful change and foster inclusive organizational cultures. In other words, you can think of us as your fractional people and culture manager.

Why did you start your company?

I became an industrial organizational psychologist because I wanted to have an impact on people’s lives through their experiences at work. Over time, I realized that was truly an interest in building equitable and inclusive workplaces. I built my company to help me fulfill that passion.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding part for me is when employees in the companies I work with come to me and say things like “Thank you for being here. I finally feel heard. I appreciate the work you are doing to make this a better place.”

About what are you most proud?

I am most proud of the book I co-wrote with Victoria Mattingly, Inclusalytics. We self-published the book as a way to provide a resource to people who may not be able to afford to hire a consultant like us. Since the release, we have sold over 5,000 copies, there have been numerous book clubs, and it is included in various syllabi in university courses

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Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am naturally an organized person. I love to have structure and a plan. One thing I do to stay organized with tasks is every Friday I make a list of my upcoming meetings for the following week and plan out what tasks I will try to complete each day in between meetings. Then, throughout the week, I get the pleasure of deleting things off my list as I complete them. This process keeps me organized and gives me a reward for knocking things off my list!

Who’s the one person who changed. your life and why?

I would say my former business partner, Victoria Mattingly. She is the person who encouraged me to give entrepreneurship a try and to write a book. Without her, I am confident my professional life would look very different today.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

My advice would be to give yourself some grace. We are all human, and our actions are not always perfect. Start small and work your way up to the level of organization you’re targeting.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I recently started using the Finch app for personal productivity, and I love it! I have a few reminders in there like drinking water (I forget to do that sometimes when I’m busy!). I also have daily chores so I can keep up with the house through the week. It could also be used for work. For example, I am considering adding a task to remind me to intentionally engage with someone from my network each day. As you meet your goals, your pet bird grows so it is a fun way to hold yourself accountable.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I think work-life integration is important to be mindful of. It can be easy to get engrossed in your business and forget to make time for your personal priorities when you are a business owner. Utilizing my calendar well is one thing that helps me create boundaries. My meeting scheduler doesn’t start until 9am, giving me time in the mornings to walk my dog. I also utilize time blocks as needed for personal needs, like running errands or fun trips.

About what causes are you most passionate?

Broadly, I am passionate about fostering inclusive behaviors in different spaces. I’m also passionate about advocating for mental health and female empowerment.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

My husband teases me because I LOVE to lay on the couch and binge watch tv after a long week. It’s nice to disappear into someone else’s world after being so caught up in my own.

What is your favorite author / book?

One of my favorite books for work is The Power of Employee Resource Groups by Farzana Nayani. I recommend this book to all of my clients and friends who are in the ERG space.

One of my favorite fun books is 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I read a LOT when I was young, but I took a break from reading for pleasure after grad school. This book helped me rediscover the joy of reading.

What are your favorite inspirational quote?

"She believed she could so she did" – R.S. Grey.

What is your go-to accessory?

I was recently gifted a necklace that is made of pieces from different family heirlooms (a ring, gems from a pair of earrings and another ring).

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I’m pretty simple when it comes to beauty routines. Getting ready for bed, I brush my teeth, floss, moisturize my face and wrap my hair. The only make up I wear is lip stain typically. Easy peasy 😊

What is your favorite food?

Mac and cheese hands down. Though, in general, cheese and carbs are my favorites.

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Howl’s Moving Castle.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Malaga, Spain is probably my favorite place I’ve ever been internationally. The people were nice, the food was amazing, and the beach was glorious 😊

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

- A Place At The Table has a great mission, and the founder, Maggie Kane is a wonderful human

- D&J Smashers is some of the best lemonade I’ve ever had! We love it so much that we had them at our wedding, and it was a huge hit!

- ORO has incredible food and great vibes in downtown Raleigh

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I love to travel and have friends and relatives all over so I would definitely choose teleportation!

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

“While you love a good plan, some of the best things come when you take a risk. So, when opportunity arises, take the chance, enjoy the ride, and experience everything as a learning opportunity.”

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

I’m going to say Amy Poehler. The world is a heavy place right now for many people; she recently started a podcast called “Good Hang” and her goal is to create more joy in the world, which is beautiful and much needed. I think it would be fun to spend an afternoon with her laughing and enjoying life.

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