From Nerves to News: Krissie's Emerging Entrepreneurs Pitch Experience

Representing SelfFull, I pitched at the Emerging Entrepreneurs Competition just three months postpartum and walked away with 2nd place, THREE News features on live television, and a major confidence boost. In this post, I share what it was like to overcome nerves, speak from passion, and spotlight why coaching (and platforms like SelfFull) are changing the game for leaders and coaches alike.

Krissie Baily

7/16/20252 min read

A few weeks ago, I stood in front of a room full of judges, cameras, and fellow founders at the Emerging Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition, equal parts excited and nervous. I had just seven minutes to pitch and explain why SelfFull, a coaching app focused on bridging the tech gap in coaching, should win.

How I Got There

I first heard about the pitch competition through Devanny King and the incredible team at the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky. I was a few months postpartum, still finding my rhythm as a new mom and business owner, and honestly unsure if I had the time or energy to prepare a pitch.

But something in me said: Do it anyway. Do the BOLD thing.

And I’m so glad I did.

The Moment It Clicked

The day of the competition, the nerves were real. My voice shook a little, my hands weren’t still, and it was the first evening I'd had away from my baby girl. But as soon as I started talking about coaching and the work I get to do, everything changed.

I realized: passion makes the pitch easier.

Coaching isn’t just my profession: it’s personal. Helping people grow in their careers, navigate challenges, and become better leaders is the kind of work that energizes me. Once I started speaking from that place, the words came naturally, and most importantly... I had FUN!

Why SelfFull Matters

This competition also gave me a chance to talk about SelfFull, where I currently serve as Head of Coaching Engagement. As a coach, I know how much time goes into managing logistics — scheduling, prep, follow-ups, tracking progress. I also know how much I hate being an invoice chaser, an executive assistant, and content creator while managing "mom brain."

SelfFull automates the friction, so I can focus on what matters: the client.

It’s a platform designed by and for coaches, and the Emerging Entrepreneurs experience reminded me how needed that kind of support is in the industry. The judges were curious. The audience was engaged. And I walked away feeling more confident in the work I’m doing and the community I’m building.

What I Learned

You don’t need to feel 100% ready to show up.
When you speak from passion, people listen.
Telling your story out loud makes it stronger.

This wasn’t just a win for me (hello, 2nd place finish!). It was a reminder that the work I’m doing matters, and I’m just getting started.