Ed Forteau

Leader of the Genuine Connections Revolution | Helping Service Providers, Entrepreneurs, and Sales Professionals Build Authentic Relationships | Author of "No More Cringe” | Changing the Way We do Business on LinkedIn

I’m Ed Forteau, Business Growth Strategist, Community Builder, and Creator of The Strategic Ally Method.

I help relationship-driven entrepreneurs attract high-value clients…without chasing, cold pitching, or playing the content hamster wheel game.

If you’re great at what you do, but feel like sales turns you into someone you’re not, you're not broken.

You’ve just been sold the wrong playbook.

Most of my clients come to me feeling stuck.

They’re burned out from outreach that goes nowhere.

They hate the pressure to perform on social media.

And they’re tired of trying to be “everywhere” just to get noticed.

What I teach flips the script:

✅ Start warm, low-pressure conversations that naturally lead to business

✅ Tap into the trust you’ve already earned to unlock hidden opportunities

✅ Show up as a Strategic Ally, not another sales person or content clone

✅ Build “quiet authority” without shouting for attention

✅ Use simple, human systems that work even when you’re not online

Here’s a story I hear all the time:

A client spent months tweaking cold email campaigns.

They saw early wins…until everything stopped working.

Low replies. Spam folder black holes. Endless fixing.

They tried my method. DMed just ten warm messages to mutual connections of people they knew.
Two booked calls. One became a client.

Then came momentum.

They told me, “This just feels…different. Lighter.”

I said, “It’s less work than trying to save a sinking ship.”

That’s the shift:

From pushing and persuading to connecting and converting.

From guessing what strangers want to showing up where you’re already trusted.

You don’t need to become someone else to grow your business.

You just need a better way.

That’s why I created The Genuine Connection Alliance. It’s a private community for relationship-first entrepreneurs.

Inside, you’ll learn my frameworks, build a powerful support system, and attract clients through trust, not tactics.

It’s where my best clients come from, because they experience the method before they ever hire me.

If you believe business can be built through conversations, connection, and real value, let’s talk.

Or better yet, let’s start a conversation that leads to something real.

💬 DM me the word “Alliance” and I’ll send you the Genuine Connection Alliance overview doc. It might be the missing piece you’ve been looking for.

EMAIL DELIVERABILITY EXPERT - Get More Of Your Emails Delivered, Seen, Opened, Read, and Clicked

▶ 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑:
• Any business that uses email to communicate with prospects, clients, or customers that have experienced their emails going to spam, or not getting delivered
• Any business that wants their email accounts set up properly to ensure high deliverability
Why? Nothing has a greater/more immediate impact on your bottom line than fixing email deliverability issues

▶ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐄 𝐃𝐎:
• Fix any types of email deliverability problems so more of your emails are delivered, seen, opened, and clicked
• Setup your email infrastructure so your emails land in your recipient's primary inbox
• Setup email reporting and monitoring to catch problems early, to avoid lost revenue
• Provide advice on the right email marketing platform to use to meet your objectives

▶ 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐒 𝐖𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐗:
We provide the peace of mind that you are receiving the maximum ROI from emails, because all forms of your emails are delivered. This includes:
• Cold Emails
• Subscription Emails
• Support Ticket Emails
• Proposal Emails
• Contracts via Email
• Invoice/billing Emails
• Transactional Emails
• Marketing Emails
• Contact Us Forms

▶ 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:
• Email Deliverability Audit - Identifies the source of 90% of email deliverability issues
• DMARC Reporting/Monitoring - Monitors the health of your email accounts and pinpoints the issues that happen infrequently
• Domain Reputation Recovery - Our proprietary method of improving the reputation of a damaged domain in under 30 days
• Email Infrastructure Setup - Ensures maximum email deliverability and protects your domain reputation
• Email Deliverability Repair - Our team has a combined 28+ years in fixing email deliverability issues

▶ 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒:
• 95%+ email deliverability rate
• An immediate increase in email open and click-through rates
• On average, a 200-400% increase in email-related revenue

▶ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐀𝐘:
• See our LinkedIn Service Reviews

Advise executives & teams - focus on outcomes, not outputs 🔺 driving transformation results & business value in growth environs - owns 🔑 relationships w/ business & technology 🌎Leader | Investor | Entrepreneur

Balancing strategy, innovation, and execution to deliver rapid, measurable outcomes, this is my passion and my promise. I specialize in helping organizations achieve transformational change and sustained growth through executive alignment, team empowerment, and technology-driven solutions.

With hands-on leadership experience at GD-BIW, Keane, IBM, UHG-Optum, MaineHealth/NorDX, and OCMA, I have a proven track record building dynamic, high-performing teams and delivering exceptional customer experiences. I focus on rapid time-to-value by combining expert planning with tailored integrations, always prioritizing strategy, margins, and risk management.

My strengths include:

• Executive Team Leadership:  Driving alignment and engagement across cross-functional teams (3–200+ members).

• IT & Corporate Governance:  Implementing frameworks like ITIL, COBIT, and ISO to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

• Business Transformation:  Leading digital transformation, M&A integration, and process optimization for scalable growth.

• Customer-Centric Delivery:  Delivering business-IT solutions that exceed client expectations and support long-term retention.

I bring a structured, customer-centric approach to every engagement, unlocking growth by aligning strategy and execution. My background in contract management, sales, marketing, and program delivery enables me to build high-performing teams and cultivate strong partnerships across industries.

Leadership is not something you say, 
it is in the things you do and something you live.

Core Competencies & Keywords:

Digital Transformation | IT Governance | Program & Change Management | Vendor & Stakeholder Management | Business Process Optimization | Risk & Compliance | Portfolio & Resource Management | Operational Excellence | Performance Measurement | Lean/Agile Transformation | M&A Integration | Strategic Planning | Cost Optimization | Client Retention | Talent Development | Executive Reporting | CRM (Salesforce, SAP, Workday) | ERP | B2B | SaaS | PPMO | C-Suite Advisor

Strategy without execution is just theory.  I help organizations turn vision into results—driving transformation, fostering belonging, and building cultures of continuous improvement.

Let’s connect to discuss how I can help your organization achieve its next level of performance.

Don Gleason

As organizations embark on their AI journeys, effective AI Governance isn't just a best practice—it's a business imperative.

While IT Governance has long been a cornerstone for managing #technology investments, AI introduces new dimensions of complexity, risk, and responsibility.

The stakes are high!  Without robust AI Governance, organizations expose themselves to significant reputational and regulatory risks.  Errors or bias in AI systems can quickly erode public trust, spark negative media attention, and even trigger costly compliance investigations.  In an age where data is scrutinized more than ever, ethical oversight is non-negotiable.

AI Governance ensures that investments in AI are both effective and defensible.  It provides a framework for ethical data practices, transparent decision-making, and aligned stakeholder interests—ultimately driving responsible #innovation and safeguarding your organization's reputation.

Don't wait for a crisis or regulatory mandate to act.  Building #AIGovernance structures early—before issues arise—positions your organization as a leader and protects the value you're creating with AI.

At DGCpartners LLC, we specialize in guiding organizations through the complexities of launching robust AI Governance initiatives, tailored to your unique needs, maturity level, and integrated with #ITGovernance.

If you're ready to take the first step, let's connect and ensure your AI journey is safe, ethical, and #strategic.


#artificialintelligence

🚨 AI is outrunning the rules designed to govern it — and the gap is growing!  We don't have an AI governance problem because nobody's trying. We have one because everyone is trying — differently, independently, and inconsistently.

The EU built a comprehensive, risk-based framework. The US is stitching together a patchwork of voluntary guidelines and state-level laws. China is moving fast with centralized control. The UK is betting on principles over prescriptions. And international bodies? They're offering non-binding suggestions while the stakes keep climbing.

The result? A fractured global landscape where:

⚠️ Companies operating across borders face a maze of conflicting rules

⚠️ Algorithmic bias is widely acknowledged — but rarely enforced against

⚠️ Deepfakes, generative AI misuse, and autonomous weapons evolve faster than any single regulation can keep up

⚠️ "Voluntary compliance" means no real consequences when things go wrong

⚠️ Victims of AI-driven harm often can't even prove what happened, let alone hold anyone accountable

This piece lays it out with striking clarity — and offers a path forward built on ‘5 Essential Pillars’:

1️⃣ Global Coordination & Harmonization: because a patchwork isn't a safety net

2️⃣ Lifecycle Risk Management: baked in from design to retirement, not bolted on after deployment

3️⃣ Ethical & Fair AI by Default: not as aspirational language, but as enforceable requirements

4️⃣ Clear Accountability Structures: liability follows control, period

5️⃣ Dynamic, Adaptive Regulation: rules that evolve as fast as the technology they govern

Here's what’s meant to stick:  AI holds enormous promise, but that promise rings hollow if the systems governing it aren't up to the task.

Right now, they aren't!

The time to build comprehensive, enforceable, globally coordinated AI governance isn't "someday." It's now, before the gap between what AI ‘can do’ and what we ‘allow it to do’ becomes impossible to close.

This isn't just a policy conversation, it's a trust conversation. And trust, once broken, is extraordinarily hard to rebuild.

Here’s the link to the full article:  https://lnkd.in/e4xpdYDs

What's your take — are we moving fast enough on AI governance, or are we already behind? 👇


#AIGovernance #ArtificialIntelligence #ResponsibleAI #AIRegulation #Ethics #Technology #Leadership #Policy #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork

Numerous AI laws, rules, and policies exist - disjointed and inconsistent  |  Why Better AI Governance Can't Wait  |  Don Gleason, 2026  |  image by you.com/create in support of related LinkedIn post by Don Gleason

UNLOCK EFFICIENCY & REDUCE IT COSTS:  The Power of Application Rationalization!  Is your organization managing hundreds—or even thousands—of software applications?  You're not alone.  Over time, most companies accumulate a complex mix of systems, many of which become redundant, outdated, or underused.  This "application sprawl" quietly drains budgets, slows #innovation, and increases risk.

#ApplicationRationalization is a strategic process for streamlining your IT portfolio, reducing waste, and aligning #technology with #business goals.

Application rationalization systematically reviews your entire software landscape to determine which applications to keep, consolidate, modernize, or retire.  Think of it as a "spring cleaning" for IT, ensuring every tool delivers real value and supports your organization's mission.

AI-driven automation and cloud-native architectures are accelerating rationalization, making it easier to identify opportunities and act quickly.  Organizations are focusing on SaaS portfolio #optimization and leveraging advanced tools such as LeanIX, ServiceNow APM, Apptio, and Ardoq to gain real-time visibility and support decision-making.

Application rationalization isn't just about cutting costs—it's about building a future-ready, agile, and secure IT foundation.  Whether you're facing digital #transformation, M&A integration, or want to do more with less, now is the time to act.

Let's unlock value:  I help organizations unlock hidden value in their IT portfolios.  Message me here on #LinkedIn to schedule an assessment or strategy session and discover how much your organization can benefit.


#ITGovernance DGCpartners LLC  #ProfessionalServices #ChiefTransformationOfficer #CTO

Unlocking Success - Power of Application Rationalization

Career Growth & New Perspectives - As professionals, we're constantly evolving (learning new skills, facing challenges, and uncovering opportunities to grow.)

I’ve been reflecting on my own journey and how pivotal certain decisions, mentors, and moments of #risk shaped my career. 

The exciting reality is that whether it was embracing a new #leadership role, diving into an unfamiliar industry, or upskilling in emerging technologies, growth often came from stepping outside of my comfort zone. I found that to be where the magic happened!

There is inspiration in sharing our stories & experiences!  I’d love to hear from the #LinkedIn community:  

What has been the biggest factor that drove, or is driving your career growth?

Here are a few options to get the conversation started:

1️⃣ Taking risks & embracing new challenges

2️⃣ Investing in continuous learning & upskilling

3️⃣ Having a mentor or sponsor to guide you

4️⃣ Building strong networks & relationships

5️⃣ Resilience & learning from failure

💬 VOTE for your option, or refer to the option that resonates with you most with your story in the Comments below 👇🏼

I’m eager to hear your thoughts & learn from your unique experiences.


#careerdevelopment #jobs #talent

What has been the biggest factor in driving your career growth?

Here are a few options to get the conversation started:



The author can see how you vote. Learn more

Driving Revenue Growth, Scaling Operations, and Building for Consistent Expansion

#Business faces increasing complexity and competition, and achieving sustainable growth requires more than just ambition - it demands strategic #leadership that delivers results.

With extensive experience helping organizations drive revenue, scale operations, and deploy repeatable processes for consistent growth, I specialize in creating tailored strategies that position companies for long-term success.

I combine data-driven decision-making, a focus on operational & #technology excellence, and leadership that aligns teams toward a shared vision.

Here's how I help CEOs, ELTs, & Boards achieve goals with Professional Services:

⭐️ Revenue Growth:  Identifying &.  unlocking new streams of income while optimizing existing ones.
  
⭐️ Scaling Operations:  Building the infrastructure & capacity to meet increasing demand without sacrificing quality.

⭐️ Process Optimization:  Developing systems that ensure measurable, sustainable, and repeatable organizational #success.  

Whether you're looking to expand into new markets, improve operational efficiency, or accelerate growth, I've turned challenges into opportunities.

If your organization is ready to scale, grow, and thrive, I'd love to connect.  I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my expertise can help you achieve your vision.

📩 Message me here on LinkedIn or email me directly at don.gleason@me.com 

Let's build something extraordinary together!


Don Gleason DGCpartners LLC  

#Leadership #RevenueGrowth #BusinessStrategy #PE #Time2Value #OperationalExcellence #BestAdvice #ScalingForSuccess #Vision2Value #ProfessionalServices #DueDiligence

Don Gleason is a professional services executive-CIO who leverages data-driven strategies for operational excellence and strategic leadership  |  revenue growth- scaling operations - process optimization  |  Transforming Challenges into Opportunities  |  Don Gleason, 2026  |  image by you.com/create in support of related LinkedIn post by Don Gleason 

Why don’t we have a Chief Transformation Officer?  

The Chief Transformation Officer (CTO / CTrO) role is a critical driver of enterprise-wide transformation, contrasting forward-thinking organizations with those lagging behind.  It emphasizes that transformation cannot simply be a side project or a diluted responsibility; it requires clear ownership & authority.  It also makes a compelling case that organizations that fail to adapt will fall behind, particularly as AI and new operating models push technology reliance to new heights.

#Transformation isn't a side project.  It's a structural shift.

Some organizations are leading the way with transformation.

Look at L'Oréal, Société Générale, IBM, Rolls-Royce, and Allianz.  They've recognized that transformation isn't just strategy—it's execution.

They didn't debate the theory.  They made the appointment.
  
They created a Chief Transformation Officer (CTO / CTrO) role with: 
 
✅ A clear mandate  
✅ Visible authority  
✅ Board-level access  

Why?  

Because transformation touches everything:

💡 What gets funded  
💡 What stops  
💡 Who loses control  
💡 How talent, incentives, and capital are aligned  

But not every company is leading.  
Some are adapting—slowly.  

These tend to bundle transformation into the already overloaded role of the CIO or COO.  Others quietly rename the PMO a "Transformation Office" to be trendy, but are not informed that more is required than just a new label.   

Here's the truth:  

Dashboards & delivery don’t create transformation. A mandate & leadership commitment does.

With AI adoption accelerating and operating models breaking, the gap between leaders and laggards will only widen.  

So ask yourself:

👉 Are you leading with transformation?  
👉 Or are you quietly re-labelling?  

And most importantly:  

Why don't we have a Chief Transformation Officer?

Let's discuss in the comments!  And don't forget to vote below 👇  

#ChiefTransformationOfficer #CTO 

Question:

Does your organization have a Chief Transformation Officer (CTO / CTrO)?

📊 Vote below:  

1️⃣ Yes, we have one, and they're driving transformation.  
2️⃣ No, but we're considering it.  
3️⃣ No, we don't see the need for one.  
4️⃣ I'm not sure what a CTO / CTrO would do.

Does your organization have a Chief Transformation Officer (CTO)?

📊 Vote below:


WORKSLOP (AI-Slop): The Hidden THREAT to Your Business & Career.  Workslop is AI-generated content that looks polished but lacks real value.  It is quietly undermining productivity, trust, and professional growth across industries.

WHAT IS WORKSLOP?

WorkSlop (or AI-Slop) is the flood of AI-generated crap (i.e., reports, emails, graphics, and presentations) that appear professional on the surface but are less so when you scratch the surface.

These outputs often lack substance, accuracy, or context, shifting the burden of real work onto colleagues and eroding the quality of business operations.

WHY IS WORKSLOP BAD FOR BUSINESS?

Productivity Drain:  40% of employees receive WorkSlop monthly, costing companies ~$186 per worker per month and almost 2 hours per incident to fix or redo.  For large organizations, this adds up to million$ in lost productivity each year.

Quality & Reputation Risks:  WorkSlop crowds out high-quality work, increases error rates, and can damage brand credibility (especially when AI-generated content reaches clients or the public).

Operational Friction:  Instead of streamlining workflows, WorkSlop creates illusions, confusion, frustration, and bottlenecks that actually slow down teams & projects.

WHY IS WORKSLOP BAD FOR OUR CAREERS?

Skills Atrophy:  Relying on AI-Slop is shown to erode critical thinking, creativity, and core professional skills, thereby making you less valuable in the long run.

Trust & Credibility Loss:  Half of professionals view WorkSlop senders as less trustworthy, less creative, and less capable. Your reputation and advancement opportunities are at stake.

Career Stagnation:  Generic, AI-generated outputs make it harder to stand out, demonstrate expertise, or build meaningful professional relationships.  As predicted (by me & others) years ago, the result is homogenization of outputs and a clear lack of authenticity.)

HOW ARE YOU ENSURING YOUR AI-assisted WORK ADDS REAL VALUE?

The future belongs to those who use AI as a tool for insight, not a shortcut for effort, and a reflection of real experience & expertise.

It is getting harder to determine whether something is real or AI - it's only going to get worse.  Let’s use the tools and not become a tool!


Share your thoughts on WorkSlop / AI-Slop with us in Comments below 👇🏼


#AI #WorkplaceProductivity  #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #workslop #AIslop

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🌍 With the MilanCortina Winter Olympics competition concluded, we can reflect on how Italy emphasized a clear separation between international security cooperation & immigration enforcement.  It raises important questions about the approach for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America (USA 🇺🇸, Mexico 🇲🇽, and Canada 🇨🇦 )

Several international organizations & governments have documented specific concerns about immigration barriers facing non-American attendees:

🔥 Football Supporters Europe expressed being "extremely concerned" about enforcement clarity & fan safety.

🔥 The European Democratic Party has warned of "legal & administrative uncertainty.”

🔥 Human Rights Watch, alongside 50+ civil society groups, raised "grave concerns" about risks of arbitrary entry denial & detention.

🔥 France, Germany, and Ireland have updated travel advisories specifically referencing immigration enforcement risks.

Key challenges:

🔘 39 countries currently face visa restrictions or suspensions.

🔘Visa processing delays exceed 300 days in some regions.

🔘 Enhanced screening procedures & border uncertainty.

🔘 Potential for immigration enforcement at sporting venues.

While FIFA & USA introduced an expedited visa system for ticket holders, questions remain about accessibility and the broader international community's confidence in attending.

The contrast is notable:  MilanCortina maintained strict Italian jurisdiction over all immigration matters despite international security cooperation.

How should major sporting events balance security needs with international accessibility?

What are your thoughts on the professional & logistical implications for global sports tourism?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below 👇🏼

Poll Question:

What is your primary concern regarding international accessibility for major sporting events in USA / North America?

Options

1️⃣ Visa processing delays & administrative barriers
2️⃣ Uncertainty about entry requirements & enforcement
3️⃣ Security measures impacting fan experience
4️⃣ No significant concerns
5️⃣ Other factors (please comment)


#FIFAWorldCup2026 #SportsMatter #InternationalSports #GlobalMobility #SportsDiplomacy #ProfessionalSports

What is your primary concern regarding international accessibility for major sporting events in USA / North America?

taplio

The Battle

Ed Forteau

Don Gleason

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taplio

The Battle

Ed Forteau

Don Gleason

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Don Gleason's LinkedIn Performance

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