Services

Dana Guillory

Potential Realized is a motivational consulting company founded by Dana Guillory. For more than three decades, she has been motivating others to achieve their goals and becomes their best version of themselves. Dana is active in keynote speaking, motivational speaking, personal training, and public appearances to talk about how Potential Realized can help individuals and businesses who need positive results. For more information on programs and services by Potential Realized, please email us at info@danaguillory.com or visit the contact us page.

My Why

I was the kid who never felt like I belonged. I’ve been abused physically, sexually, and mentally for as long as I can remember. My mother placed me into the foster system after my father passed away from A.L.S. I was assigned to a family that persuaded my social worker and the courts that I was loved and would be well taken care of. That was not the case at all. The abuse began soon after I moved in with them. I didn’t want to live with them, but I had no choice. I learned from an early age that the only things I could control were the grades I made and my performance in extra-curricular activities. Academics and sports became my solace and escape because I was so unhappy. I found that running allowed me to push my body to the point where I couldn’t feel what my heart and mind were experiencing. Without even realizing it, I became addicted.

I had no clue what I was going to do with my life, but I knew the time would come when I would be able to escape. I watched a movie about a man named Audie Leon Murphy, and I decided that I was going to enlist in the military. I wanted to get away. I wanted to make a difference in the world. Being a Soldier was going to be my way of doing both. I needed to prove that I could make it on my own and that I had the potential to achieve great things.

When I left for Basic Training, I resolved never to look back. My military career was highly successful. I had a great time serving my country. I was hand-picked for positions working for some of the Army’s truly best and brightest Soldiers and Army leaders. Ring my career. I was inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (S.A.M.C.), my most important career moment. After all, I joined the Army in the first place because of Audie Leon Murphy. I served with dignity, respect, and pride. I’ve known what it’s like to lose troops, bury my friends, and inform their loved ones that they’re gone, as so many of us have experienced. I’ve also had a great sense of accomplishment in my work. I loved being a soldier and have never regretted my decision to join the military. I was injured several times throughout my career. I had many surgeries and spent so much time in the hospital that I forgot what it was like to feel the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. My injuries have forced me to dig deep and fight as I did as a child. Despite having a debilitating spinal injury, I’ve run numerous races, including 5K, 10K, and 25K distances, and multiple marathons, including ultra, full, and half marathons. I finished a 223-mile race as well. As an instructor, I’ve taught rock climbing and fitness to others. I’ve competed in bike races and assisted in running an American flag across the country. I began weightlifting and have become a Nationally Ranked bodybuilder.
I am also a survivor. I’ve been treated for cancer, and even though they were life-threatening battles, my family and close friends would not let me give up. Once again, I had to ignite the “stay and fight” mentality that I had learned at such an early age. It’s been a battle for the ages, with ebbs and flows of good and bad news. I’ve undergone surgeries and treatments that were excruciatingly painful, but I couldn’t give up on myself when so many others refused to. So, I struggled and prayed, and I’ve made it this far.
In 2017, I created a motivational consulting company, Potential Realized, with the same objective I’ve always had: making a difference and leaving a lasting impression. Everyone can achieve their goals. The power of potential is enormous, and I aim to assist people in identifying their passions and dreams and developing a strategy to help them reach them! Our priorities and objectives shift with time. The beauty of Potential Realized is that it evolves alongside you and assists you in evolving.
Because of my life experiences, I believe it is critical that I demonstrate to people that being a survivor of whatever hardships you have faced and will face is a source of tremendous pride. Every one of us has a unique story to tell, and each one is remarkable in its own right. There is only one you, making yours a one-of-a-kind story.
I am a veteran, survivor, mother, wife, certified personal trainer, motivational speaker, friend, and athlete, but most importantly, I am me, DANA!

Veteran Defies Odds News Story

“SHE BELIEVES IN MY POTENTIAL…”

I met Dana sometime in 2016 I believe, through an organization we are both involved in, Team RWB! I was amazed at her “spunk” from the moment I met her. I don’t use the word “spunk” to describe many people I meet, but that word fits for Dana and did so even before I knew her history.

What can I say about Dana? Veteran, survivor, warrior, a person who inspires me? Wife and mother. Dana is all of those things. And yes, a cancer survivor. Dana is a survivor of multiple bouts of cancer.

The thing you need to know about Dana is this: she is there for YOU, not herself. I find that quite amazing when you know (or will learn) what she has been through! When you feel like the broken link in a chain, Dana will explain to you how the chain was never broken at all…maybe a little weak at points, but Dana will help you strengthen your link in that chain. She believes in YOU just as much, if not more than herself.

She’s supportive of everything I do! I am NOT a runner and likely never will be. It’s never mattered to her. Dana committed to walking a race with me. Now, I am a slow walker, and Dana is a runner. She is doing this because she believes in my POTENTIAL. She is helping me find my “happy place” again, the place where both my head and heart are happy. Dana taught me to stop and enjoy my surroundings and that crossing the starting line is just as important as crossing the finish line.

She’s taught me that, after all, if you don’t start, you won’t finish. She inspires me with her guts, grit, and determination. Dana has overcome every obstacle in her path, and she keeps ongoing. That, to me, is an inspiring person. She’s one of the most inspirational people in my life. AND I LOVE HER!

-Karen West Burt

“DON’T YOU DARE…”

Dana hosts a weekly climbing event at a local gym during the summer. She invites military (active, retired, disabled) personnel and family members to participate. It is a great community bonding event, providing an opportunity for people to learn a new skill, meet new friends and enjoy a close net community. Dana doesn’t just host the event, she spends a lot of time going around to make sure everyone is comfortable, providing an inviting atmosphere. One day, I took my daughter and her friend. The girls loved the event and were determined to reach the top. If you have never been climbing, you know that mastering a rock wall is not something that is easily accomplished on the first day. However, Dana encouraged the girls to let them know they could do it. She told them not to give up. On our third visit, my daughter was finally getting the hang of the system but was still having problems mastering the rock wall course. Dana came over and went over the options, provided some pointers on overcoming the issues, and reminded her that she could do it. When my daughter hit a roadblock, Dana took over and screamed up to her, “Don’t you dare let go of that wall. CLIMB!” It was a sight to see. My daughter didn’t quit, and she finally made it to the top. When she came down, she was beyond proud and pleased. She helped a little girl obtain her goal and reach her potential.

– Kevin A.