Glenn Lurie stands as a valuable thought leader in the telecommunications space, currently serving as a General Partner at Stormbreaker Ventures, where since 2021 he has focused on investing in and mentoring startups in the connected mobility ecosystem. As a key advisor to Air5 since 2024, Lurie guides the innovative integration of 5G with cable infrastructure, creating more resilient broadband networks.
His impact on the telecommunications industry was cemented during his tenure as President and CEO of Synchronoss Technologies (2017-2020). At Synchronoss, Glenn Lurie led the company’s transformation in cloud services, messaging, and digital solutions for global telecom operators. Under his leadership, Synchronoss enhanced its position as a critical provider of cloud-based digital transformation tools for telecommunications companies, helping them streamline operations and improve customer experiences in an increasingly connected world.
Prior to Synchronoss, Lurie’s nearly 30-year career at AT&T culminated as President and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Operations, where he managed over 100,000 employees and oversaw sales, customer care, and operations. His negotiation of AT&T’s exclusive deal with Apple to launch the first iPhone in 2007 revolutionized the mobile industry. Lurie spearheaded three major AT&T initiatives: the Internet of Things (IoT) business that connected cars and consumer electronics; AT&T Digital Life home automation; and Aio Wireless (now Cricket Wireless).
Throughout his career, Lurie has championed the integration of emerging technologies like AI and IoT with telecommunications infrastructure. His “Three P’s” leadership philosophy—People, Purpose, and Passion—has guided his approach to building successful teams and businesses. By 2025, his forward-thinking strategies have positioned him as a key influencer in the advancement of 5G, smart cities, and connected devices.
A three-time NCAA soccer champion at Seattle Pacific University, Lurie applies the same competitive drive and teamwork to his business ventures. Named among the “Mobile Game Changers” in 2014, he continues to shape the future of connectivity through board positions at companies including Avis Budget Group, Pivotal Commware, and Teal Communications.
Glenn Lurie remains dedicated to his personal mission of “making life better for everyone I touch,” combining technological innovation with positive social impact in an increasingly AI-driven and connected world.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day consists of working with our funders, reviewing potential new start-ups, checking in with my boards and talking with the companies that I advise. Productivity is all about solid planning and prioritizing each day… its also about focusing on the key actions that you need to get executed.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas are fantastic, but only useful if you can do the work around the idea that supports it and makes it viable… to make a solid business decision, you must have the facts to support that decision…!
What’s one trend that excites you?
Everything, and I mean everything, in our lives with connected and smart… so the trends in IoT to connect everything along with the trends in AI/machine learning and all kinds of intelligence will continue and accelerate to continue to change the world.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Prioritization…!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Always stay true to yourself… easy to get caught up in stuff and lose track of what’s important for you…
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
You can always stay young… physically and mentally!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
The mirror test! Every day you need to look in the mirror and to be honest with yourself if you did or did not have a productive day… and accomplish what you set out to…?
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
The one strategy is having an organized and in-sync go to market strategy and an operating rhythm to support that GTM.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
No failures… just learning opportunities that will make you better, smarter and stronger on the new one.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
My advice is very simple… always put people first! The people you work with, the people who are your customers and anyone else you touch… put them first, find a way to be successful with every one of them and show them how important they are to the overall success of the business…
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I am an all Apple guy… I live on my iPad!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Lunch with my family – time to sit down with the four of us and talk and connect.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Speed of Trust” – shows how trust between people and teams can massively accelerate the velocity of the business.
Key learnings
- You must create a culture that puts people first in everything you do… you must also make sure each and every one of those people know their purpose and how they, day in and day out help the company achieve its goals and come with passion every day!
- Prioritize and plan for each day, while also being honest with yourself with what you accomplished and are you moving the ball forward and in the right direction…
- Relationships, relationships, relationships… these are the most valuable assets you have and treat them accordingly.