Explore every episode of the podcast Drinks and Deals
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 24 – Rabia Dincer – How Curiosity, Empathy, and Real Conversations Drive Better Partnerships | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:21:57 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, recorded live at MIGS, Assad sits down with Rabia Dincer, Partnerships Manager at CrazyGames, to unpack what authentic business development looks like when you strip away the pitch deck polish. Rabia shares her unconventional journey into BD, the early challenges of being the only woman in a male-dominated company, and how learning to advocate for herself reshaped both her confidence and her approach to partnerships. The conversation dives into Rabia’s operating philosophy: keep messages short, make them personal, avoid ego-driven outreach, and “sell the way you would want to be sold to.” She breaks down how listening, empathy, and curiosity consistently outperform clever scripts. Assad and Rabia also explore the emotional realities of BD — burnout, travel fatigue, and protecting your energy — along with practical insights on understanding your ICP, spotting real prospect needs, and crafting outreach that resonates. If you work in partnerships, sales, or business development, this episode gives you a grounded, human look at how top performers build trust, stay curious, and create opportunities through genuine connection. business development Where to Connect with Rabia Dincer
Contact Info for Assad
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay Music Credit | |||
| Episode 23 – Ethan Cossio – Bridging East and West in International Business Development | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:25:32 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad sits down with Ethan Cossio — Level Designer, Biz Dev professional, and international bridge-builder between East Asian and Western markets. Ethan shares how a single trip to GDC set him on a path to connecting with creators, studios, and business leaders across China, Korea, and Japan. This conversation dives into the real nuances of international BD: cultural expectations, etiquette differences, relationship-building in Asia, and how authenticity can make or break a deal. Ethan also explores the importance of networking aggressively before traveling, respecting cultural norms (like Japan’s business card etiquette), and understanding the long-game relationship mindset common in East Asia. Whether you’re entering a new market, trying to collaborate with partners overseas, or simply want to learn how to navigate cross-cultural business with confidence, this episode delivers practical, real-world insight from someone living it. Where to Connect with Ethan Cossio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethancossio/ Contact Info for AssadLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assadquraishi/ international business | |||
| Episode 14 – Nathan Turner – Networking That Compounds: From Conferences to Confidence in Sales | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:22:10 | |
Nathan Turner of Earnest Investing and host of the Diversified Mortgage Expo shares how he rebounded from the 2008 crash, turned networking into a repeatable system, and built confidence through simple, practical habits. Learn why setting goals like “20 business cards” can change a career, how to push past imposter syndrome, and why switching seats at conferences can 10x your network. This episode offers relatable lessons for SDRs, BDRs, AEs, and entrepreneurs on building confidence, solving problems, and growing your sales career. Where to Connect with Nathan Turner:
Contact Info for Assad:
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| Episode 13 – Zach Acito – From AAA to Indies: Business Development at Keywords Studios | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:27:55 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, host Assad Quraishi sits down with Zach Acito, Business Development Manager at Keywords Studios, to discuss how one of the largest service providers in gaming is shifting focus from AAA dominance to supporting indie and AA studios. Zach shares insights on overcoming the “too big to work with us” stigma, the ROI of in-person networking for smaller teams, and how to sell with startup agility inside a global organization. He also highlights a practical career framework and book recommendation for anyone looking to level up in sales and business development in the games industry.
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 12 – Alexander Vlahopoulos – How to Prioritize, Qualify, and Win in Business Development | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:32:01 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad sits down with Alex, Head of Sales at Snapser, a backend platform that helps game studios and app developers launch faster without sacrificing customization. Alex shares how he’s built high-performing sales pipelines for startups and global tech brands—often with limited budget, small teams, and tight timelines. You’ll hear strategies for controlling what you can control, ruthlessly prioritizing high-impact actions, and identifying bad deals before they drain your resources. They also dive into the realities of competing in the gaming industry, protecting your company’s mission, and building a personal brand that opens doors for the long term. Whether you’re in business development, SaaS sales, or the gaming space, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can apply today. Snapser Website: https://snapser.com/ Contact Info for Assad:LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay business development, sales strategy, SaaS sales, gaming industry, pipeline building, startup sales, sales prioritization, B2B sales, qualifying leads, sales tips, Snapser, backend platform, SaaS startups, sales leadership | |||
| Episode 11 – Matt Baston – How to Stand Out, Get Hired, and Succeed in Sales | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:32:18 | |
Breaking into sales is tough—standing out is tougher. In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Clio SDR coach and leader Matt Baston shares how to rise above the noise in both hiring and sales. We cover why job hunting is just like prospecting, the mindset that separates top performers, and how to turn ambition into results. Matt also explains why “getting messy” beats waiting for perfect prep, how to approach career moves strategically, and why culture add matters more than culture fit. Whether you’re an SDR, BDR, or career switcher, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you land the role and excel once you have it. Where to Connect with Matt Baston
Contact Info for Assad
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| Episode 10 – Ora Xu – From Fine Art to Business Development: Sales Strategy, Trust, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:26:17 | |
Where to Connect with Ora Xu: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ora-xu/ Website: https://www.envarstudio.com/ From fine art studios in New York and China to leading business development in the gaming industry, Ora Xu’s career journey proves that sales success isn’t just about numbers — it’s about strategy, relationships, and trust. In this episode of Drinks & Deals, we dive into:
Whether you’re in business development, B2B sales, partnerships, or exploring a career change, you’ll learn how to combine strategy and authenticity to win trust and close deals. Pour yourself a drink, pull up a chair, and get inspired. Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Ep 9 - Assad Q. - What Motivates You? | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:14:23 | |
In this solo episode, Assad dives into the ups and downs of staying motivated—whether it’s training for a 5K, hitting sales targets, or just trying to stay consistent. He unpacks three popular frameworks for goal setting (SMART goals, OKRs, and KPIs), shares a personal story about fitness and discipline, and explores how different motivation styles impact our success at work. If you’ve ever wondered why some goals stick and others fall flat, this one’s for you. Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Ep. 8 - Jocelyn Cattley - Owning the Room Without Losing Yourself | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:24:39 | |
In this refreshingly candid episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad sits down with flight attendant, business owner, and event host Jocelyn Cattley to talk about the art of human connection in a world dominated by screens and social anxiety. From breaking the ice at industry events to overcoming impostor syndrome and awkward vibes, Jocelyn shares real, actionable insights on how to own your space—whether you're new in the room or stuck in your head. They discuss:
If you've ever hesitated to say hi, felt out of place, or just want to get better at navigating industry events, this episode is for you. Where to Connect with Jocelyn Cattley: Email: hello@jumpseattherapy.shop IG: instagram.com/JocelynCattley Website: jumpseattherapy.shop Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 7 – Assad Quraishi – What They Don’t Tell You About BD | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:21:23 | |
No guest? No problem. In this solo episode, host Assad Quraishi takes a walk in the park and turns the mic on himself to get real about the unspoken truths of business development. From early career setbacks and sales missteps to personal growth and finding his “why,” Assad reflects on the emotional rollercoaster that comes with building partnerships. He opens up about losing deals, imposter syndrome, learning on the fly, and how trust is really built in BD—not just with clients, but within yourself. Whether you're new to sales or just need a dose of honest insight, this raw, reflective episode will leave you with practical takeaways and maybe even a few laughs. | |||
| Episode 6 – Bernard François – How Founders Think About Hiring Business Developers | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:24:18 | |
Where to Connect with Bernard François: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardfrancois/ Website: http://www.previewlabs.com Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming
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| Episode 5 – John Nguyen – Relationship-First Sales & Humility in Business Development | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:15:15 | |
Where to Connect with John Nguyen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnguyenbizdev/ Website: https://xsolla.com/ Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, I sit down with John Nguyen, Regional VP of Canada at Xsolla, live from XP Summit. John shares his journey from indie game developer and attorney to leading business development at one of the gaming industry's most globally integrated platforms. We talk about the power of listening, why humility beats hustle, and how building genuine relationships—not pushing product—is the key to long-term success. Whether you're new to BD or a seasoned rep, this one is packed with raw, real advice you won't want to miss. 👤 Want to be a guest on the show? Connect with me on LinkedIn! | |||
| Episode 22 – Joseph Fontana – The Ted Lasso of Sales: Authenticity, Burnout, and Building Back Better | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:40:07 | |
After 30 years in sales leadership, Joseph Fontana stepped away to recharge, rediscover himself, and redefine what success really means. In this candid conversation, Joe and Assad dive deep into the realities of modern sales — the grind, the burnout, and the transformation that happens when you finally stop playing a role and start selling as your authentic self. From the aggressive 90s cold-call culture to today’s relationship-driven selling, Joe shares how sales has evolved into a mix of art and science, why every seller needs a mentor or coach, and how tools like AI or automation can never replace human connection. He also opens up about how over 1 billion in revenue and 155,000 hours of talk time taught him one lesson above all: tech should replace nothing but time. If you’ve ever wrestled with burnout, imposter syndrome, or the pressure to always perform, this episode will remind you that great sellers aren’t machines — they’re humans who care, connect, and keep learning. sales authenticity, burnout recovery, mentorship, sales leadership, B2B sales, human selling, sales coaching, automation in sales, work-life balance, sales mindsetWhere to Connect with Joseph Fontana Contact Info for Assad
Music Credit Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 4 - Travis Gibson - Trust, Teamwork, and the BD Mindset | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:18:30 | |
Where to Connect with Travis Gibson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gibsongrowth/ Website: http://www.snowedin.ca/ Contact Info for Assad:LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming
In this episode recorded live at XP Summit, Assad sits down with Travis Gibson, Business Development Manager at Snowden Studios — a co-development partner known for work on Fallout Shelter, Forza, Diablo IV, and more. Travis shares his unconventional path into BD, from coaching high-level hockey to selling championship rings, and how those experiences shaped his competitive mindset. They talk candidly about the real difference between sales and biz dev, the power of vulnerability in building trust, and how his team turned a surprise client loss into a rallying moment for the whole studio. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the game, this episode is packed with honest insights on leadership, communication, and what it really means to build partnerships that last. | |||
| Episode 3 – Emil Vanjaka – Building Trust and Driving Biz Dev in Biotech | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:23:19 | |
Where to Connect with Emil Vanjaka LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjaka/ Website: https://excellthera.com/ Contact Info for Assad LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming In this episode, Assad sits down with Emil Vanjaka, Director of Operations and Business Development at ExCellThera, a cutting-edge biotech company based in Montreal. Emil shares his unconventional journey from law and corporate M&A to leading business development in the complex and high-stakes world of cell therapy. They dive deep into how ExCellThera is commercializing stem cell technology to treat blood cancers, and how Emil built a licensing model that turns scientific innovation into global partnerships. He opens up about the challenges startups face when trying to earn trust in conservative industries like healthcare—and how transparency, legal foresight, and a strong founding team can help overcome objections. The conversation also explores why people from diverse backgrounds are drawn to business development, the psychology behind influence and persuasion, and Emil’s personal tips on crafting your own authentic biz dev approach—even if you're not naturally extroverted. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in startups, biotech, or BD roles looking to build meaningful partnerships, navigate complexity, and win trust in high-risk industries. Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 2 - Antoine Bordeleau - Leadership Shifts & Selling Beyond Gaming | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:28:40 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad sits down with Antoine Bordeleau, Director of Business Development at Streamforge, to unpack two major themes: stepping into leadership for the first time, and the challenges of expanding business development efforts into new verticals beyond gaming. Antoine shares insights from his eclectic career path—from jazz guitarist and venue owner to journalist, trailer editor, and now BD leader—offering listeners candid lessons on how to lead without micromanaging and how to evolve your sales strategy when your industry identity is both your greatest strength and your biggest barrier. Packed with relatable stories, strategy gems, and a shared love of sparkling water, this episode sets the tone for the real-talk energy Drinks & Deals is all about. Where to Connect with Antoine Bordeleau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-bordeleau/ Website: https://streamforge.com/ https://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-LinkedIn-Sales-Guide-Generating/dp/1119787882 Contact Info for Assad LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 1 - Ben from Frima - Breaking Into Business Development in Gaming | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:21:21 | |
Episode Summary: In this inaugural episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad sits down with Ben, Senior Account Director at Frima, to discuss his journey into business development in the gaming industry. From his start in eSports to navigating service provider roles, Ben shares invaluable advice for aspiring business developers looking to break into this competitive space. Ben talks about how personal traits and the strategic systemization of social interactions play a crucial role in business development, particularly in an industry where networking is key. He delves into his experience working for companies like Edgegap and XP Gaming Summit, which helped him build a network before moving into a studio environment like Frima. They also explore the differences between working in business development for a service provider versus a game studio. Ben highlights the importance of building trust, aligning team skills, and maintaining patience as projects in the gaming world can take years to come to fruition. Despite challenges in the industry, he emphasizes that business development remains a critical role, offering opportunities even in times of change. Where to Connect with Ben: LinkedIn: Ben on LinkedIn Website: Frima Studio Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by: Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 0 - Intro - Welcome to Drinks & Deals: Real Talk in Biz Dev | 30 May 2025 | 00:01:25 | |
In this very first episode of Drinks & Deals, I introduce myself, share why I started this podcast, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. This show is all about honest, unfiltered conversations with business development professionals — not just the wins, but the lessons learned, the hard moments, and the real journey behind closing deals and building relationships. Whether you're new to biz dev or a seasoned pro, you'll walk away with insights, stories, and maybe even a laugh or two. 🎧 New episodes drop every week. www.linkedin.com/in/assad-quraishi www.qsconsulting.info/ Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 21 – Dylan Lavis – How to Win at Conferences Without Burning Out | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:34:50 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, host Assad Quraishi sits down with Dylan Lavis, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Paragon Interactive, to unpack how to make conferences actually pay off. From his early days managing trade shows to leading BD at Forbes and now co-developing games at Paragon, Dylan shares real strategies for preparing, performing, and following up after events. You’ll learn how to plan your conference calendar like a pro, create memorable connections, and measure ROI in long B2B cycles — all without losing your sanity. Expect a refreshingly human conversation about diligence, humility, and the power of strong personal foundations. Whether you’re attending GDC, MIGS, or your next local networking event, this episode will change how you think about conferences forever. Conferences, Business Development, Networking, Sales Strategy, ROI, Paragon Interactive, Forbes, B2B Marketing, Game Industry, Leadership Where to Connect with Dylan Lavis LinkedIn: Dylan Lavis Contact Info for AssadLinkedIn: Assad Quraishi Music CreditMusic by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 20 – Calson Sheng – Building Partnerships That Actually Move the Business Forward | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:27:02 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad Quraishi sits down with Calson Sheng, a serial entrepreneur and former Next 36 fellow, to talk about what every founder eventually learns the hard way: success isn’t just about ideas—it’s about partnerships. Calson shares lessons from building startups across AI, SaaS, and Web3, and how his latest project aims to transform financial operations for nursing homes. The conversation dives into deal-making, audience scoping, and how understanding industry-specific workflows can make or break your go-to-market strategy. He also discusses the art of outreach, the reality of cold calls, and why relationship building is the only true moat in today’s B2B world. Whether you’re launching your first product or refining your pitch, this episode offers clear, grounded advice on building something that lasts. Key takeaways:
Entrepreneurship, startups, business development, B2B SaaS, partnerships, deal-making, audience targeting, cold calling, Next 36, relationship building Where to Connect with Calson Sheng
Contact Info for Assad
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay | |||
| Episode 19 – Maria Amirkhanyan – Why Context Matters More Than Data | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:33:15 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad Quraishi sits down with Maria Amirkhanyan, Head of the Gaming Division at Duamentes, to explore one of the boldest statements in business development today: “Data is overrated if you don’t know the context.” Maria shares how her background in cognitive science helps her blend empathy, analytics, and player psychology to create better business outcomes. She discusses how Duamentes combines product, research, and data to help studios understand why players act the way they do—and how that insight leads to stronger engagement and smarter decisions. They also dive into Duamentes’ North American expansion, their AI-powered accelerator for small studios, and how custom AI agents are reshaping community management and player interaction. Key takeaways:
A must-listen for anyone working at the intersection of gaming, data, and business development who wants to connect more deeply with their players and partners. Gaming, business development, cognitive science, player engagement, AI in games, data strategy, empathy in sales, Duamentes, AI agents, game studios Where to Connect with Maria Amirkhanyan
Contact Info for Assad
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| Episode 18 – David Fugère-Lamarre – What Makes a Great Gaming Conference | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:25:48 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad Quraishi sits down with David Fugère-Lamarre, Co-founder and CEO of iLLOGIKA, to explore what makes gaming conferences truly valuable for business developers. They dig into the structure and logistics that drive real business results: meeting space design, pre-show planning systems, and the delicate balance between buyers and sellers. Whether you’re organizing, attending, or pitching at events, this episode reveals how to spot high-ROI conferences and avoid the ones that waste your time. Key takeaways:
Pour yourself a drink, pull up a chair, and get ready for a candid look at the business behind the booths. Where to Connect with David Fugère-Lamarre
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay Contact Info for AssadMusic Credit | |||
| Episode 17 – Cole – Mentorship, Metrics, and Meaningful Sales | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:28:36 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad Quraishi sits down with Cole, Strategic Account Executive at Clio, to talk about mentorship, discovery, and the art of meaningful sales. Cole shares how he prioritizes accounts, builds relationships through curiosity and data, and uses mentorship to give back to the next generation of sales pros. From defining “compelling events” to leveraging AI in discovery, this episode dives deep into how top performers balance metrics with meaning. You’ll hear practical strategies on identifying your top 10 clients, turning curiosity into conversions, and keeping your sales process human—even in a digital world. Where to Connect with Cole Hecht: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colehecht7/ Website: https://www.clio.com/ Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay https://www.qsconsulting.info/drinks-and-deals | |||
| Episode 16 – Dennis Meador – Scaling Podcasts and Building the Legal Podcast Network | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:32:33 | |
In this episode of Drinks & Deals, Assad Quraishi sits down with Dennis Meador, Founder of the Legal Podcast Network. Dennis shares how his team produces 250 episodes per month, the launch story behind the Legal Podcast Network, and his philosophy on sales, leadership, and building scalable systems. From developing an AI-powered podcasting app to turning one episode into 30 days of content, Dennis gives a masterclass on growth, adaptability, and creating value in the legal sector.
Where to Connect with Dennis Meador
Contact Info for Assad
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| Episode 15 – Assad Quraishi – How Gaming Can Help Your Sales Strategy | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:20:32 | |
In this solo episode of Drinks & Deals, host Assad Quraishi explores how lessons from gaming—like grinding in Pokémon Go, leveling up, and building long-term strategies—apply directly to sales. From gamification pitfalls to leveraging player psychology, Assad shares actionable insights on discipline, resilience, and building lasting partnerships. Tune in to discover how thinking like a gamer can sharpen your sales strategy and keep you leveling up in business development. Contact Info for Assad: LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay https://www.qsconsulting.info/drinks-and-deals
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