Gene Hamilton is the CEO of iTake the Lead and has been a member of Toastmasters for nearly 30 years. Before becoming CEO of iTake the Lead, he ran an independent insurance company. He saw a need for a leads group to help grow his business because there weren't many others at the time and he wanted it to be more user-friendly for helping other businesses grow. When a friend wanted to buy his insurance company, he decided to go for it and put his focus on building 'i Take the Lead'.

Gene says the difference between those who fail and those who succeed is "perserverance or persistence because people quit too soon". He shares how to be of service to others and help support each other in overcoming their fear and betting themselves.