REWIND: Why I Didn't Apply for the Inc 5000

“Just because everyone is chasing it doesn’t mean it’s aligned for you. Validation is expensive—and it’s not always required.” – Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon

Most entrepreneurs crave external validation—but what if chasing accolades is actually costing you more than it’s worth? In this bold and brutally honest rewind of a viral fan-favorite episode, Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon pulls back the curtain on why she made the conscious decision not to reapply for the Inc 5000, even after making the list two years in a row and generating millions in verified revenue. This episode is not a takedown—it’s a wake-up call for seven-figure CEOs who want to build legacies, not illusions.

Whether you’re dreaming of the Inc 5000 or already on it, this episode will challenge everything you believe about validation, profitability, and strategic visibility. From the real numbers behind application costs to the emotional toll of comparison, you’ll walk away with clarity on when to pursue public recognition—and when to walk away. For the millions-minded entrepreneur who’s done hustling for applause and is ready to move in divine alignment, this conversation is your compass.

This episode is a call to stop equating visibility with viability. Dr. Darnyelle dismantles the glorified chase for third-party accolades and replaces it with a deeper standard—one that measures success by profitability, purpose, and alignment with your divine assignment. If you're obsessed with being seen but your margins are shrinking, this episode is your course correction.

This is your invitation to ditch the applause and own your power. If you’ve ever questioned whether recognition was serving your next level—or simply stroking your ego—this episode is a must-listen. Stop what you're doing and tune in. The real flex is not another award—it’s profitability, peace, and purpose.

Here's the Truth: Getting on a prestigious list might feed your ego, but it won’t fix your business. Visibility without strategy is vanity. In this episode, Dr. Darnyelle reveals the hidden costs of chasing awards—including how she spent five figures just to prove what she’d already built. When you know who sent you, you don’t need outside approval.

Grab your Move to Millions Podcast Notebook and listen in to discover:

• A behind-the-scenes look at what the Inc 5000 process really costs

• A framework for deciding when public recognition aligns with your growth

• Confidence to validate your success without external applause

• How to discern if an award like Inc 5000 fits your current business season

• How to create a monetization strategy around recognition (if you pursue it)

• How to shift from comparison to conviction when making high-level decisions

5 Questions to Ask Yourself While Listening:

1. Am I chasing recognition or building legacy?

2. Have I created a monetization strategy for my visibility?

3. Is my desire to apply rooted in comparison or calling?

4. What investments are actually moving my business forward?

5. Do I need external validation—or do I need to trust my impact?

5 Powerful Quotes from the Episode:

• “Once you know better, you do better. And I know better now.” – Dr. Darnyelle

• “The Inc 5000 is paid media. I don’t need to pay someone to validate what God already approved.” – Dr. Darnyelle

• “The true CEOs aren’t just making millions—they’re keeping millions.” – Dr. Darnyelle

• “It’s not a flex to burn out for visibility.” – Dr. Darnyelle quoting a colleague

• “If you’re going to get on the list, you better have a strategy to make it work for your business.” – Dr. Darnyelle

Resources Mentioned:

• Move to Millions by Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon – Get Your Copy
• Companion Guide for Move to Millions – Download for a detailed overview of the seven systems to seven figures.
• Join the Move to Millions Facebook Group for ongoing support and community engagement – Join Now
• Move to Millions 90-Day Business Growth Planner – Get Your Planner

Want more of Darnyelle?

Social Media Links:

• http://www.instagram.com/darnyellejerveyharmon
• http://www.facebook.com/darnyellejerveyharmon
• http://www.twitter.com/darnyellejervey
• http://www.linkedin.com/in/darnyellejerveyharmon

 

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