Life at Glance: with Mitch Rotter
When did you join Glance?
I initially joined Glance as a strategic consultant in March 2021, focusing on partnerships with media companies and creators to power the US lock screen experience. Having recently left TikTok, I was in the process of helping several Asian and European products with their US launches. In July 2023, I transitioned to a full-time role and have just celebrated my one-year anniversary!
Can you tell us about your role at Glance, what do you manage and how your journey with the company began?
I serve as the Director of Content Partnerships, where I focus on securing distribution agreements with various news, entertainment, and sports companies. I also collaborate with internal teams, such as Glance TV and Roposo, on content strategy and execution. My journey started through a referral from a market research agency, which led to short-term consultancy. This evolved into a broader consulting role as our products launched and scaled, and into a full-time position. My journey has mirrored Glance's growth in the US, which has been both exciting and humbling. There is so much ahead, and I feel both inspired and honoured to contribute to our success.
What were your first impressions of Glance, and how have you seen yourself grow since joining?
Having worked in both start-ups and large public social companies, I was impressed and inspired by the team's vision to expand into the US market, grounded in our proven success in Southeast Asia. Personally, I was welcomed with warmth, curiosity, and support, which left a significant impact on me.
Can you share a personal story that highlights how Glance's programs or initiatives have aided your professional development?
As a remote employee, it is easy to feel disconnected from the company and its initiatives. However, my colleagues have been incredibly proactive despite the geographic challenges. Additionally, our People teams have been incredibly supportive, with periodic check-ins and full inclusion in all-hands meetings, whether in the US or India. Having worked in other remote environments, I can confidently say that Glance sets the gold standard for remote work support.
How have you grown professionally since joining the company, and how has the company supported your career development?
During my consultancy, I only had exposure to a small part of the company. Once I joined full-time, my manager and I agreed that gaining broader exposure would benefit both me and the company. Based in Los Angeles, I have had opportunities to attend partner meetings and engage with various stakeholders, which has deepened my understanding and appreciation of our business. This increased visibility has been invaluable to my professional growth.
Can you describe a situation where you felt supported by the company or team that reaffirmed your decision to stay long-term?
Deciding to take a full-time role was a difficult one for me. I had spent a considerable amount of time at TikTok and was enjoying the consulting practice I had built which offered an opportunity to work on many different projects for several companies at once. When Khushboo and I began discussing moving “in-house,” her overwhelming passion for our mission and her articulation of where we were headed was inspiring. She not only removed any hesitation on my end but also filled me with excitement for how I could contribute to our team. From that moment on, I have not looked back.
How do you reflect on your fast-tracker journey at Glance?
During my time at Glance, I have had the privilege of working on industry-leading initiatives with an exceptionally talented team. I’ve been in the industry long enough to know that talent alone does not guarantee success—it requires support from leadership and the broader team. Glance has cultivated an environment where I can truly contribute, and I look forward to the next phases of our growth. These will undoubtedly bring new opportunities to channel my passion and skills toward our collective goals.
How does Glance's culture resonate with your personal values?
Balance is always a big one for me. Glance has always promoted a work/life balance where we can work hard AND live well. I feel I have been able to get to know my colleagues as people which allows me to celebrate their personal and professional achievements. Fostering a deeper connection with my colleagues contributes to our performance and I appreciate that the company prioritizes these connections.
What are you most proud of during your time at Glance?
I am most proud of introducing Glance to new partners in the United States. Sharing our success and scale often generates initial surprise, followed by excitement. While convincing media companies to work with new products is not always easy, the reveal of what Glance offers often makes the process smoother.
What brings you joy and keeps you motivated?
Throughout my career, I have held various roles—sometimes managing large teams, other times small teams, and occasionally as an individual contributor. Regardless of the role, joy and motivation have always come from the opportunity to build and launch new and exciting products. Glance embodies this entrepreneurial spirit through our commitment to excellence, agility, and vision for the future. The recognition and support I receive from the team keep me motivated every day.
What are your aspirations for the future, and how do you see your career evolving at Glance?
I have always had a deep interest in technological advancements, both personally and professionally. Currently, I am particularly intrigued by two key areas: social commerce, including live-stream commerce, and AI-driven personalized content recommendations—especially as we approach an election year. It feels serendipitous that both trends are also key initiatives at Glance. I am excited about the opportunities and learning experiences these will bring, and I look forward to further aligning my career with Glance's future growth.
