Practical Strengths Community

A Leadership Ecosystem — Not just a Membership

One ecosystem. One framework. A path for those ready to engage deeply.

The Catalyst Path

How We Build Leaders at Practical Strengths

Practical Strengths is not a coaching brand built on volume.
It is an organization built on trust, thinking, and shared standards.

The Catalyst Path exists to support that mission.

Rather than certifying large numbers of independent practitioners, we invest in long-term development — training people who want to practice within the Practical Strengths framework and contribute to the organization over time.

This path is designed as a leadership pipeline, not a funnel.

• level 1 •

PS Community

Orientation & Gathering Place

The entry point into the Practical Strengths ecosystem.

This is a space to be introduced to the Practical Strengths framework as it is meant to be practiced — applied, relational, and grounded in real work — while connecting with others who want to do meaningful work with Strengths.

  • Learn the Practical Strengths perspective and language

  • Engage in facilitated conversations and learning spaces

  • Connect with a thoughtful, mission-aligned community

  • Explore whether deeper involvement feels aligned

Explore the Practical Strengths Community

• level 2 •

Strengths Apprentice

Methodology in Practice

This level is where understanding becomes intentional practice.

The Strengths Apprentice experience is designed for those who want to apply Strengths using the Practical Strengths methodology — with support, feedback, and shared learning.

  • Practice applying the framework in real contexts

  • Receive mentoring and guided feedback

  • Learn how this work is done — not just why it matters

  • Contribute to shared reflection and learning

Explore the Strengths Apprentice Experience

• level 3 •

Catalyst Coach in Training

Leadership & Stewardship Development

This level is for practitioners ready to take on greater responsibility within the Practical Strengths ecosystem.

Catalyst Coach in Training focuses on advanced application, facilitation, and leadership — preparing those who may go on to represent the work as coaches, facilitators, or collaborators.

  • Develop advanced facilitation and leadership skills

  • Learn to steward the framework with integrity

  • Apply Strengths at organizational and systems levels

  • Prepare for potential certification or partnership

Explore the Catalyst Coach Training

• level 4 •

Collaborative Partner

Association Membership & Trusted Partnership

Collaborative Partnership is an invitation-based association for certified practitioners who wish to continue learning, collaborating, and contributing to the future of Practical Strengths.

This level reflects a shared commitment to standards, sustainability, and meaningful impact — within a double–bottom line, non-profit–aligned organization.

  • Maintain certification and professional standing

  • Continue advanced learning and engagement

  • Collaborate on programs, projects, and partnerships

  • Participate in shaping the future of Practical Strengths

Explore Collaborative Partnership

Interested in taking this model globally?

Then let’s have a conversation. We’re looking to scale with partners who share the vision of democratizing Strengths and believe that when we work together we are infinitely better. Global partnerships include translation rights to Practical Strengths books where English is not the first language.

Let’s have a conversation and build stronger together. Contact Jo

• level 1 •

PS Community Member

Orientation, Introduction & Gathering Place

WHAT THIS IS

The Practical Strengths Community is the entry point into the Practical Strengths ecosystem.

This space exists to introduce the Practical Strengths framework, while gathering and showcasing people who care about doing meaningful work with Strengths.

Some members arrive curious.
Some arrive experienced.
All arrive because they believe Strengths can be more than an assessment.

This level is designed to meet people where they are while offering a clear standard for how this work is understood and used within Practical Strengths.

Membership Benefits

  • 2+ Monthly facilitated sessions and conversations

  • Access to materials and session recordings

  • Opportunities for connection, dialogue, and shared learning

  • Discounts on Practical Strengths programs and events

  • Invitations to explore deeper involvement through the Catalyst Path

This is where people begin to understand not just Strengths, but how Practical Strengths approaches the work.

Click here to see typical monthly events

Why This Membership Is Accessible

Practical Strengths is committed to making Strengths work sticky and accessible — without compromising integrity, depth, or sustainability.
This membership supports both the work and the community that makes it possible.

PS Community

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Exposure to the Practical Strengths methodology in action
    Learn how Strengths is applied across coaching, consulting, leadership, and organizational contexts — not just theory.

  • Shared language and perspective
    Engage in conversations that deepen how you think about Strengths, people, and systems, and help you translate insight into action.

  • Facilitated learning spaces
    Participate in guest sessions, book-driven conversations, labs, and discussions that explore real questions and real challenges.

  • A gathering place for meaningful work
    This is a space to connect with others who are curious, thoughtful, and committed to using Strengths with integrity.

  • Access to tools, resources, and ongoing learning
    Members receive materials, session recordings, discounts on programs, and opportunities to continue learning over time.

Begin the Practical Strengths Journey
$17/mo OR $175 annually

Annual Payment
Monthly Payment

• level 2 •

Strengths Apprentice

WHAT THIS LEVEL IS FOR

The Strengths Apprentice level marks a shift from exploration to intentional practice.

This level is designed for those who want to:

  • apply Strengths thoughtfully in real contexts

  • learn the Practical Strengths methodology through use, not theory

  • build skill with support, reflection, and feedback

This is where participants begin practicing inside the Practical Strengths framework, rather than adapting it independently.

You are not expected to be an expert (and do not need to be Gallup Certified).
You are expected to be engaged, reflective, and willing to learn.

*Should you join the Apprentice program and an opportunity opens for Catalyst Training, your investment will be prorated.

Apply to the Apprentice Program

Investment $100/mo (1-yr commitment) OR One time payment of $1000
Applying signals readiness for guided practice and shared responsibility.

Strengths Apprentice

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Guided practice within the Practical Strengths framework
    Opportunities to apply the methodology to real coaching, consulting, or leadership situations.

  • Mentorship and feedback
    Support from experienced practitioners as well as direct one-on-one mentoring from Jo.

  • Shared learning and reflection
    Spaces to discuss what’s working, what’s challenging, and what you’re noticing as you practice.

  • Skill development with integrity
    A focus on ethical use, thoughtful application, and clarity.

  • Contribution to the learning environment
    Apprentices are invited to share insights, questions, and experiences that deepen the collective learning.

What This Level Is Not

  • a certification

  • a guarantee of advancement

  • a performance-based evaluation

This is a learning and practice space — not an audition.

Movement forward is based on:

  • demonstrated engagement

  • alignment with the framework

  • readiness for responsibility

Not speed or visibility.

Why This Level Matters

This level exists because practice requires context.

Strengths work is powerful — and it is also nuanced.
The Apprentice level creates space to learn:

  • how to work with complexity

  • how to hold standards without rigidity

  • how to apply Strengths in ways that are human, ethical, and effective

This stage is where potential collaborators begin to become visible — naturally, over time.

Who This Is For

The Strengths Apprentice level is a fit for:

  • coaches, consultants, and leaders actively using Strengths

  • people who want feedback and mentorship as they practice

  • those considering deeper involvement with Practical Strengths

It is not required for everyone — but it is essential for those who want to move toward greater responsibility within the ecosystem.

• level 3 •

Catalyst Coach In Training

Leadership & Stewardship Development

WHAT THIS LEVEL IS FOR

Catalyst Coach in Training is an internal leadership development stage within the Practical Strengths ecosystem.

This level exists for practitioners who are demonstrating readiness to take on greater responsibility — not just in applying the framework, but in stewarding it.

At this stage, the focus shifts from:

  • learning how the framework works
    to

  • learning how to responsibly represent, facilitate, and lead with it

This is not a program people move into automatically.
It is a developmental space designed for those already engaged in the Path who are showing alignment, integrity, and capacity for leadership.

THIS IS FOR PRACTICTIONERS WHO:

  • are already applying Strengths in meaningful ways

  • value feedback, reflection, and ethical practice

  • are open to responsibility beyond their individual work

  • feel drawn to contribute to something larger than themselves

It is not required for everyone — and it is not the right step for everyone.

*Certification windows only open twice per year. The next window opens in April 2026 at our Future of Strengths Forum in Dallas, TX.

Explore Readiness for Training - Book a call

$2500 initial investment
This is where practitioners grow into stewards — and leadership becomes a responsibility, not a title.

Catalyst Coach in Training

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Advanced application of the Practical Strengths framework
    Work with more complex client, group, and organizational contexts where nuance, systems thinking, and ethical judgment matter.

  • Leadership and facilitation development
    Deepen your ability to hold groups, guide conversations, and support others’ learning with clarity and care.

  • Stewardship of the methodology
    Learn what it means to represent the framework — including boundaries, standards, and responsibility for how the work is used.

  • Organizational perspective
    Engage with Practical Strengths not just as a practitioner, but as part of a living organization with a mission, values, and long-term vision.

  • Mentorship and reflective practice
    Receive guidance, feedback, and space for reflection as you grow into a leadership role.

What This Level Is Not

  • a guaranteed path to certification

  • a reward for tenure or visibility

  • a personal branding opportunity

  • a fast-track to partnership

This level is about readiness and responsibility, not recognition.

Progression from this stage depends on:

  • demonstrated competence and judgment

  • alignment with Practical Strengths values and standards

  • the ability to hold power, influence, and complexity well

Not everyone who enters this level will move on to certification or partnership — and that is by design.

Why This Level Matters

Practical Strengths is committed to doing this work with integrity and care.

Leadership in this ecosystem requires more than skill.
It requires discernment, humility, and the ability to steward a framework that impacts people and organizations.

Catalyst Coach in Training exists to:

  • develop leaders from within

  • protect the quality and coherence of the work

  • prepare practitioners for meaningful collaboration

  • ensure the framework is carried forward responsibly

This level is about trust earned over time, not advancement earned by completion.

How Entry Works

Participation in Catalyst Coach in Training is not pursued independently.

Entry is based on:

  • sustained engagement within the Path

  • observed alignment and contribution

  • readiness for leadership responsibility

For some, this comes through invitation.
For others, it begins with a conversation about readiness and fit.

This approach allows the work and the relationships  to lead.

• level 4 •

PS Collaborative Partner

Association Membership & Trusted Partnership

WHAT THIS LEVEL IS

The Practical Strengths Collaborative Partner level represents a relationship of trust between certified practitioners and the Practical Strengths organization.

This level is designed as an association-style membership for those who wish to:

  • maintain their certification in good standing

  • continue advanced learning and professional development

  • collaborate with others doing meaningful work with Strengths

  • contribute to the long-term health and evolution of Practical Strengths

Collaborative Partnership is not a role.
It is not employment.
It is not a reward.

It is an ongoing professional relationship grounded in shared values, standards, and responsibility.

Requires completion of the Catalyst Coaching Certification

Collaborative Partnership is how Practical Strengths grows with integrity — through shared stewardship, sustainable contribution, and trusted relationships.

THIS IS FOR PRACTICTIONERS WHO:

  • see themselves as part of a larger mission

  • value ongoing learning and accountability

  • want to contribute to meaningful, compensated work

  • care about the long-term health of the Strengths ecosystem

It is not required to practice independently.
It exists for those who want to belong to the work, not just use it.

Collaborative Partner

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Ongoing professional development
    Advanced learning, peer dialogue, and continued refinement of practice within the Practical Strengths framework.

  • Collaboration and contribution
    Opportunities to collaborate on programs, projects, research, content, or organizational initiatives aligned with the mission.

  • Paid work and compensated roles
    Partners may be invited into paid facilitation, training, mentoring, or project-based roles.
    Participation in the ecosystem does not imply unpaid labor.

  • Shared standards and accountability
    Partnership includes maintaining ethical use of the framework, honoring agreements, and representing Practical Strengths with integrity.

  • Connection to a broader movement
    Participation in shaping how Practical Strengths grows, adapts, and serves communities over time.

What This Level Is Not

  • a guarantee of work or income

  • an employment relationship

  • a volunteer requirement

  • a passive membership for name or status

Partnership reflects mutual commitment, not entitlement.

Opportunities for collaboration and compensation are shaped by:

  • organizational needs

  • alignment of skills and capacity

  • clarity of scope and agreement

Not by tenure or title.

Why We Built an Association Model

Practical Strengths believes that:

  • meaningful work should be accessible

  • skilled practitioners deserve to be compensated

  • frameworks that impact people’s lives require stewardship

  • sustainability is an ethical responsibility

An association-style partnership allows us to:

  • support practitioners beyond initial certification

  • maintain professional standards over time

  • build a trusted bench of collaborators

  • ensure the work remains viable, ethical, and grounded

This model supports democratization without dilution.

How Partnership Works

As Practical Strengths evolves into a non-profit, double-bottom-line organization, Collaborative Partnership reflects a commitment to both:

  • Impact — making Strengths work sticky, practical, and accessible

  • Sustainability — ensuring the work, the people doing it, and the organization itself are supported and compensated appropriately

Partnership exists to support long-term contribution, not short-term gain.

Partners participate as members of a professional association — engaging in learning, collaboration, and shared stewardship of the work.

Core Programs & Certification Path

Language of You

The Language of You is the signature program started in 2015. This is a modular offer which dives deep into not only accepting your talents, but LOVING them – and YOURSELF. This is a powerful method used to understand ourselves as leaders, parents, partners, neighbors, etc. It is also easily aimed at helping one to create their personal brand.

Strengths as a 2nd Language

Intensive Course with two levels designed to accelerate your understanding of all 34 talents. A total of 13 hours of training, quizzes, and virtual classroom learning will not only help you understand each talent in a practical way, you will also learn to identify patterns, talent spot with greater ease, and explore talent dynamics.

SpeakEasy Lab

This would be considered the mini-Communications Course which includes the two main workshops I use in order to help teams and communities improve their relationships and understanding of one another.

Roadmap for Organizational Champions

This program combines the previously mentioned courses (LOY, S2L, SpeakEasy) and is directed toward organizations and educational institutes who are actively developing a Strengths Culture. This training allows those organizations to become self-sufficient while receiving support at an affordable rate. The certification for this process is more selective and rigorous. If interested, please contact me directly.

Curious to know more?

Send me a note here – or even better – schedule a conversation with me.
I’d love to get to know you personally.