Dave Simon, Vice President of Sales at Viant, shares his journey from media buyer to a key player in programmatic advertising. He discusses the challenges the industry faced during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for adaptability. The conversation dives into how AI and connected TV (CTV) are revolutionizing advertising, highlighting the importance of identity and privacy in a cookie-less world. Dave also stresses the significance of human connections in ad tech and the continuous learning required to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.