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
partnerships
CrazyGames
sales outreach
empathy in sales
gaming industry BD
women in tech
MIGS
client relationships
curiosity-driven selling
Where to Connect with Rabia Dincer
Contact Info for Assad
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
Music Credit
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/
Website: https://alkemilabz.com/
Contact Info for AssadLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assadquraishi/
Websites:
QS Consulting: https://qsconsulting.info
Music CreditMusic by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
international business
cross-cultural BD
East Asia partnerships
Japan business etiquette
Korea business culture
China networking
global BD strategy
relationship building
business development podcast
Drinks and Deals
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
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
Website: paragoninteractive.io
Contact Info for AssadLinkedIn: Assad Quraishi
Websites: QS Consulting | XP Gaming
Music CreditMusic by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
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:
Identify the right pain point for the right audience.
Narrow your focus — “everyone” is not your customer.
Understand industry workflows before writing a single line of code.
Don’t skip relationship-building — it’s your most defensible advantage.
Founders should validate problems before building solutions.
Entrepreneurship, startups, business development, B2B SaaS, partnerships, deal-making, audience targeting, cold calling, Next 36, relationship building
Where to Connect with Calson Sheng
LinkedIn: Calson Sheng on LinkedIn
Contact Info for Assad
LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn
Websites: QS Consulting
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
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:
Why data alone can mislead without context or empathy
How cognitive science enhances sales and player research
The shift from “Will they pay?” to “Will they choose us?”
How AI agents can humanize studio-community relationships
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
LinkedIn: Maria Amirkhanyan on LinkedIn
Contact Info for Assad
LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn
Websites: QS Consulting & XP Gaming
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.
From GDC and Gamescom to MIGS and DICE, David shares his firsthand insights on which events get it right—and why others fade away.
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:
How to tell when a conference is losing its value
What BD pros should prioritize when evaluating events
The red flags that signal poor structure or buyer imbalance
How community and comfort drive meaningful connections
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
LinkedIn: David Fugère-Lamarre on LinkedIn
Website: iLLOGIKA
LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn
Websites: QS Consulting & XP Gaming
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
Contact Info for AssadMusic Credit
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
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.
Legal Podcast Network
Podcast growth
Sales and entrepreneurship
AI for podcasting
Content marketing
Leadership and scaling
Business development for lawyers
Podcast production
Where to Connect with Dennis Meador
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennismeador/
Website: https://www.thelegalpodcastnetwork.com/
Contact Info for Assad
Music Credit
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
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
sales strategy, gaming in sales, gamification vs gaming, Pokémon Go sales lessons, sales discipline, business development, leveling up, partnerships, resilience in sales, sales pipeline growth
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:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-turner-a9a1b510/
Website: https://earnestinvesting.com/
Contact Info for Assad:
Music Credit:
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.
LinkedIn: Zach Acito on LinkedIn
Company Website: Keywords Studios
LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn
Websites: QS Consulting
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
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
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
LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedIn
Website: QS Consulting & XP Gaming
Music Credit: Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
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:
How to overcome imposter syndrome in sales and advocate for yourself
Why business development is more than cold calls — and how strategy drives results
Building trust with clients by believing in your company’s work
Lessons for B2B sales in unpredictable markets
How creative careers can shape stronger sales skills
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
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
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:
How to approach strangers at networking events (even when you're introverted)
Why leading with curiosity and value always wins
How to read social cues and redirect awkward interactions
The power of knowing yourself—and your city
Why it's not that deep (and that’s a good thing)
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
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.
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
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from PixabayIn this episode of Drinks & Deals, host Assad Quraishi sits down with Bernard François, founder of PreviewLabs, to get a raw and real founder's perspective on business development. Bernard shares what it’s like to build a company rooted in rapid prototyping, how he evaluates the impact of business developers, and the nuanced challenges of hiring the right person for the job. They dive into the data, the gut feelings, and the traits that matter most—plus, the 80/20 rule every aspiring BD should follow. If you're in sales, BD, or just trying to understand how to win trust in the startup world, this one’s for you.
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
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
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!