Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Self.
Hi Jo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Goodness. Where to start. My entrepreneurial journey started back in 2007 after leaving a dream job that had hit a brick wall. I was the Employee Engagement Manager for a large international company, and I loved what I did. Once I decided to leave, I turned that passion into my first business, Bon Vivant Savant. I dedicated my time and creativity to creating in-person events to help people connect through unique experiences. My flagship event was the Supper Speakeasy, where I worked with local chefs to create underground dining experiences that were never in restaurants – while also raising funds and awareness for local businesses and charities.
I did this for three years before finally making the leap to move overseas, first to Uruguay to manage a hostel on the beach and then a few months later back to Lima, Peru – where I had spent a semester abroad in college 16 yrs earlier. In Peru, I married, had a son, got my citizenship, and divorced over 11 years that I spent there. From there, I moved to Mexico City with my son and after 3 very difficult years there, made our way back to Michigan where we started over from scratch. And I couldn’t be happier.
We have found our way to the lovely little village of Pinckney, where I maintain my own business, but also now serve on the local Council and most recently started a part-time position as the Village Event Coordinator and Community Liaison. Building community is in my blood and I am grateful for finding a welcoming spot to continue my passion.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been anything but smooth. As an only child, I had lost my entire immediate family by the time I was 27 (I’m 52 now). I’ve taken many leaps of faith in my life, and I think the times I was most scared – and said ‘yes’ anyway – have been the most rewarding. People always think I’m so brave. I have to remind them that bravery can’t exist without fear. The difference is being scared and doing it anyway.
In the last 4 years, I have started my life over 3 times. Once, when we moved to Mexico with nothing but 6 suitcases of personal belongings. Then a short 2 yrs later when my best friend of 20 years and partner decided he no longer wanted a relationship and locked us out of our apartment while my son and I were away on holiday. We came back to Mexico with nowhere to go, my cell phone had been cut off, and no idea what to do next. I lost everything. He even gave our cats away. From there, we spent a few more months in Mexico, but a trip back to the US last year started to change everything. I had thought starting over – again, and in the US – would be too hard. I couldn’t fathom it really. And yet, when I asked my son (10 at the time) what he thought, he was more than ready to make Michigan our home.
So we made a plan, which eventually led us to Pinckney. I cannot express how kind, helpful and generous people have been here and made our move much smoother than I could have imagined. I do have “framily” in Brighton, which has always been an added bonus. Without them, I don’t know how we would have done this. I am forever grateful to them for their support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
As a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, I always felt that the practical piece was lacking. I LOVE Strengths and saw so much power in it when I took the assessment back in 2003. Many years later, Practical Strengths was born from my belief that 34 words unite 8 billion people. We have more in common than we don’t. When we learn to appreciate our quirks as strengths, everything changes: how we work, how we lead, how we love, even how we show up for our communities. I’ve spent years helping people see themselves and each other more clearly, not through complicated theory, but through everyday language and connection. I like to think of it as learning a second language – the language of you. And I believe everyone should have a 5th grade vocabulary understanding of these 34 talents that are a part of CliftonStrengths.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
I am known for my practical approach to Strengths Psychology and making it accessible to anyone. I take CliftonStrengths® out of the boardroom and into real life – classrooms, small businesses, nonprofits, families, even village councils. I’m known for making Strengths practical, playful, and accessible. Instead of jargon, I use metaphors (like “pebbles and ripples” or “the Fibonacci of Strengths”) that people can carry with them. One of my favorite compliments to this day was when someone said I make Strengths poetry and I humanize it.
What sets you apart from others?
I think there are a few things that set me apart.
1. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter coaching. I meet people where they are, whether that’s a Fortune 500 team trying to communicate better, or a couple wanting to understand why they bicker about Netflix.
2. I make Strengths relatable. I love to put things in laymen’s terms and show people how this simple language can build not only confidence, but tolerance.
3. I make Strengths accessible. I work on the scale of economy. I don’t believe only the upper echelon should have access to coaching. And having worked with folks in over 25 countries, my pricing structure is based more on what you can afford that on what I believe my intrinsic worth to be. I believe those who can give more should, and those who can’t give as much deserve a chance. It’s the ebb and flow of it all.
4. I bring humor, honesty, and heart into the work. And I’m not afraid to be quirky. My clients have called me a “Strengths Medium” because I can often see what they need before they say it out loud.
What are you most proud brand-wise?
What I do is a mission, a calling, it’s not just a job. We operate as an L3C because we are mission driven. I’m most proud that Practical Strengths has become a community, not just a business. People don’t just learn their Strengths; they join circles, challenges, book clubs, and conversations that spark belonging. We’ve created tools like 52 Sparks and the Future of Strengths Forum to connect people globally, but also to ripple back into small towns, schools, and organizations. I have a global vision, but I’m not responsible for the global impact. I want to have a deep connection to 100 other people who want something similar. I want to support others who have a meaningful vision for change in their communities. Together, we each become a pebble that starts a ripple. And as we gain more pebbles, those ripples will start to overlap. It takes time, but I believe it’s possible. We just have to start one person at a time. I truly believe a rising tide lifts all ships.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
I want readers to know that this isn’t about another self-help trend. It’s about building language, connection, and community that last. Whether through workshops, speaking, or resources like journals and challenges, everything I create is designed to raise curiosity, build connection, and deepen understanding. If even one person walks away seeing themselves or someone else with more compassion, then Practical Strengths has done its job. My next goal is to launch our Community Catalyst program. My desire is to bring communities back together, rebuild the village if you will. We start with Strengths, but that’s just the beginning. We have to unite that with vision and a shared experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
If you look back to the struggles I mentioned, I think people would say I’ve had quite a bit of bad luck. In fact, I know many people who look at my life as a tragedy. It’s why I hate first dates – that get to know you chit chat never goes in my favor. I see anything but bad luck, though. I see opportunities that were created. Even losing all of my family opened up paths that may not have been considered had I stayed to be responsible for them or live up to their expectations. I also believe that anytime something “bad” happens, it’s the Universe’s way of knocking something out of my way when I wasn’t following the right path. My Connectedness talent, combined with my Positivity, really looks for the meaning in what happens. I tend to view life through this mantra “Everything in life is a lesson or a blessing, and sometimes the biggest blessings come from the hardest lessons.”
Contact Info:
- Website: http://practicalstrengths.org
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/discoverjoself
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/joself
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@discoverjoself
- Other: jo@practicalstrengths.org
