Meet Jo Self

CliftonStrengths Coach Community Catalyst Strategic Thought Partner

Helping curious humans and conscious leaders find their voice, clarify their strengths, and build communities that work – for everyone.

I don’t consider myself a coach. I’m a Strengths Advocate.

And why not a coach? Honestly, with my Strengths, it’s hard for me to keep an opinion to myself.

Hi, I’m Jo, founder of Practical Strengths™, Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach, global speaker, and mama to one whip-smart kiddo, whom I affectionately call O.

I believe we’re all wired for connection and growth, we just need a shared language to get there. That’s where Strengths come in. For me, Strengths aren’t just labels. They’re a language. A practice. A bridge.

My mission is to help you be Seen, Heard, and Understood

I call it: Appreciate. Communicate. Illuminate.

After losing my mother at 11, my father at 27, and starting over more than once – including across continents – I’ve learned that the most important work we can do is understanding who we are and how we show up in the world.

I’ve lived in 4 countries, speak fluent Spanish, and bring both strategy and soul with me everywhere I go. I can’t really help myself.

Whether I’m working with parents, educators, leaders, or coaches, I’m always focused on the same thing: helping people see themselves in a whole new way, which then allows them to see others with greater clarity and compassion.

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I’m Known For…

Taking Strengths from Buzzwords into Clarity and Confidence

She is my Strengths Guru, she knows Strengths like no one I’ve ever met. Her courses always teach me something new and she will always be my go-to for Strengths.

– Gilda Younis-Chargoury, Lebanon

Translating Complexity into Poetry and Strategy

Jo’s materials and instruction turn Don Clifton’s vision into poetry – creating a fluid, dynamic tool that coaches and practitioners can use to deepen their connection to their CliftonStrengths themes.

– David Kubacki, Delaware

Making Strengths Accessible, not Overwhelming

The most outstanding aspect is her ability to make CliftonStrengths not just understandable, but deeply relatable to the everyday lives of my clients. She goes beyond the confines of traditional training.

– Rhonda Rosborough, Illinois

Holding Space with Humor, Curiosity, and a Little Sparkle

She is definitely not “your average jo”. Jo drw out creative ideas and guided me on a clear plan to reach my goals – all with humor, lots of encouragement, and incredible insight.

– Donna Gardner, Michigan

Tools and Frameworks that Turn Insight into Action and Language into Leadership

8 Elephants is the perfect starter kit for someone like me… You’ve laid it out very well and yet it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. It reads like a mentor or big sister giving me advice.

– Genette Buclatin, Philippines

My Purpose Talent: Maximizer

When I first meet nearly anyone, I want to know if they could do anything, what would that be? What would make them happiest? And I immediately want to help them achieve it. My WHY statement is based in my Maximizer: to live in a world where talents aren’t wasted, potentials are realized, and happiness is contagious. It also serves as my learner as I am drawn to people who I perceive as smarter or more accomplished so I may learn from them.

My Core Talent: Strategic

Ever since I can remember, I have always needed a plan to work against. If you tell me the goal, I can give you a dozen ways to get there based on resources, drive, energy, time, money – you name it. And it happens in an instant. Combine it with my IDEATION and I can just ‘see’ it. I also tend to listen with great intent, trying to understand all elements of what is the desired outcome. I will ask a lot of questions in order to ensure I come up with the options that make the most sense in the situation.

My Motor Talent: Communication

This talent keeps me going. My mission is to teach CliftonStrengths® as a second language. It’s why I’ve created the programs, The Language of You and Strengths as a 2nd Language, as well as why I’m writing the book series, PRACTICAL STRENGTHS. I believe deeply in the power of the language that our strengths provide us. I take such pride in helping others understand both themselves and others, using strengths as the bridge to make that happen.

My Relaxation Talent: Adaptability

Many of my talents keep my brain in constant movement, so when I need a brain break, my Adaptability is what helps me the most. It allows me to be in the present, to enjoy the here and now, and to flex with others when their needs differ from mine. Even some of my favorite hobbies like crochet, sewing, and painting by numbers requires me to focus in the moment and allows my brain to take a breather. It’s like a mental deep breath for me.

My Guilt Talent: Relator

People often ask if their strengths can change. I prefer to say they can shift and my Relator is one that has. After some very significant life changes – and losing both my parents and the grandparents who raised me – my talents shifted. Relator has moved down, and I believe it’s out of self-preservation. The core of the talent is about trust and having close, personal connections. Loyalty and close connections are still incredibly important to me, but I am clear that not everyone feels the same and, as a result, I manage this talent with more care than before.