Shows
Drinks and DealsEpisode 23 – Ethan Cossio – Bridging East and West in International Business DevelopmentIn 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...
2025-11-2625 min
Drinks and DealsEpisode 22 – Joseph Fontana – The Ted Lasso of Sales: Authenticity, Burnout, and Building Back BetterAfter 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 neve...
2025-11-1240 min
Drinks and DealsEpisode 21 – Dylan Lavis – How to Win at Conferences Without Burning OutIn 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 abou...
2025-11-0534 min
Drinks and DealsEpisode 20 – Calson Sheng – Building Partnerships That Actually Move the Business ForwardIn 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...
2025-10-2927 min
Drinks and DealsEpisode 19 – Maria Amirkhanyan – Why Context Matters More Than DataIn 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 int...
2025-10-2233 min
Drinks and DealsEpisode 18 – David Fugère-Lamarre – What Makes a Great Gaming ConferenceIn 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 confe...
2025-10-1525 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 17 – Cole – Mentorship, Metrics, and Meaningful SalesIn 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...
2025-10-0828 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 16 – Dennis Meador – Scaling Podcasts and Building the Legal Podcast NetworkIn 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 NetworkPodcast growthSales and entrepreneurshipAI for podcastingContent marketing...
2025-09-3032 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 15 – Assad Quraishi – How Gaming Can Help Your Sales StrategyIn 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 LinkedInWebsite: QS Consulting & XP GamingMusic by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabayhttps://www.qsconsul...
2025-09-2420 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 14 – Nathan Turner – Networking That Compounds: From Conferences to Confidence in SalesNathan 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...
2025-09-1022 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 13 – Zach Acito – From AAA to Indies: Business Development at Keywords StudiosIn 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 indu...
2025-09-0327 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 12 – Alexander Vlahopoulos – How to Prioritize, Qualify, and Win in Business DevelopmentIn 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 buil...
2025-08-2632 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 11 – Matt Baston – How to Stand Out, Get Hired, and Succeed in SalesBreaking 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...
2025-08-1932 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 10 – Ora Xu – From Fine Art to Business Development: Sales Strategy, Trust, and Overcoming Imposter SyndromeWhere 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 yourselfWhy business development is more than cold calls — and how st...
2025-08-1226 minDrinks and DealsEp 9 - Assad Q. - What Motivates You?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
2025-08-0614 minDrinks and DealsEp. 8 - Jocelyn Cattley - Owning the Room Without Losing YourselfIn 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 an...
2025-07-3024 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 7 – Assad Quraishi – What They Don’t Tell You About BDNo 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 hon...
2025-07-2221 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 6 – Bernard François – How Founders Think About Hiring Business DevelopersWhere to Connect with Bernard François:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardfrancois/Website: http://www.previewlabs.comContact Info for Assad:LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedInWebsite: QS Consulting & XP GamingMusic 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...
2025-07-1624 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 5 – John Nguyen – Relationship-First Sales & Humility in Business DevelopmentWhere to Connect with John Nguyen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnguyenbizdev/Website: https://xsolla.com/Contact Info for Assad:LinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedInWebsite: QS Consulting & XP GamingMusic by Oleksandr Stepanov from PixabayIn 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 pow...
2025-07-0215 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 4 - Travis Gibson - Trust, Teamwork, and the BD MindsetWhere 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 LinkedInWebsite: QS Consulting & XP GamingMusic by Oleksandr Stepanov from PixabayIn 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 r...
2025-06-2518 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 3 – Emil Vanjaka – Building Trust and Driving Biz Dev in BiotechWhere to Connect with Emil VanjakaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjaka/Website: https://excellthera.com/Contact Info for AssadLinkedIn: Assad Quraishi on LinkedInWebsite: QS Consulting & XP GamingIn 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 de...
2025-06-1123 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 1 - Ben from Frima - Breaking Into Business Development in GamingEpisode 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...
2025-06-0421 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 2 - Antoine Bordeleau - Leadership Shifts & Selling Beyond GamingIn 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, stra...
2025-06-0428 minDrinks and DealsEpisode 0 - Intro - Welcome to Drinks & Deals: Real Talk in Biz DevIn 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.🍸 Follow, share, and pour yourself a drink...
2025-05-3001 min
The Booster Pack NetworkRare Slot — 19 — Assad Quraishi on the recent change in the TCG industry (Genesis: Battle of Champions)On this Rare Slot Rands & Assad go deep on the recent history and changes in the TCG industry. Please share this conversation if you found value in it.Find Genesis; Battle of Champions—https://www.genesisbattleofchampions.comAssad's previous @TBPN podcast:https://youtu.be/bUsvm-HY7SgGenesis: BoC on Twitter:https://twitter.com/genesisboc_____________________________________________Audio version of this podcast:https://pod.link/1553640008Find Rands:https://www.facebook.com/CCGhistoryhttps://twitter.com/CCGHistoryHive—RandsTCGEmail—ra...
2023-02-141h 26
The BoneZone: A Trading Card Game PodcastS2E6: Let's talk about Origins and Origins Game Fair! (Featuring Assad Quraishi)In this episode, George and I are joined by a special guest, Assad Quraishi. Assad is the creator of the trading card game Genesis: Battle of Champions.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebonezone/support
2022-12-021h 13
Podcast Archives - Board Game Design LabDesigning a Trading Card Game in the Modern Era with Assad QuraishiAssad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, discusses everything to think about if you want to design a trading card game for today’s market.We talk about how to get started, building an audience, when to go to Kickstarter, how to stand out, and more.
The post Designing a Trading Card Game in the Modern Era with Assad Quraishi appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2021-12-081h 01Board Game Design LabDesigning a Trading Card Game in the Modern Era with Assad QuraishiAssad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, discusses everything to think about if you want to design a trading card game for today’s market.We talk about how to get started, building an audience, when to go to Kickstarter, how to stand out, and more.
The post Designing a Trading Card Game in the Modern Era with Assad Quraishi appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2021-12-081h 01The Board Game Design LabDesigning a Trading Card Game in the Modern Era with Assad QuraishiAssad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, discusses everything to think about if you want to design a trading card game for today’s market.We talk about how to get started, building an audience, when to go to Kickstarter, how to stand out, and more.
The post Designing a Trading Card Game in the Modern Era with Assad Quraishi appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2021-12-081h 01
The Booster Pack NetworkBooster Pack Throwback — 16 — Assad Quraishi : The history & philosophy behind GENESIS Battle of Champions + KICKSTARTER launch[[ Originally released as "The Booster Pack". This show has since been retitled "Booster Pack Throwback" ]]Today on The Booster Pack we have a KICKSTARTER launch interview with CCG creator & publisher Assad Quraishi. Assad's company—Haunted Castle Gaming—makes Genesis: Battle of Champions.We talk though the first 4 years of the Genesis CCG, the philosophy behind the game & its future.This episode drops at the same time as the KICKSTARTER for the latest Genesis: Battle of Champions expansion: Origins. Find it linked elsewhere in this description & check it out.GENESIS: Battle of Cham...
2021-12-011h 47
I Love CambridgeMeet Assad Quraishi from Haunted Castle GamingMeet Assad Quraishi from Haunted Castle Gaming. Assad had a passion for board games since he was a child, as well as a passion for game design and an intuitive knowledge on how to sell card games, so he knew that starting his own gaming company was his destiny. At Haunted Castle gaming, they believe games are a powerful tool in education and personal growth. Watch the episode to find out more! Their website: hauntedcastlegaming.com
2020-05-0521 minBoard Game Design LabHow to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi
Assad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, how to design a collectible card game and how to run a company with a CCG as your main product.
Assad has been designing CCGs for 20+ years and running his own CCG company for quite a while, so we’re able to explore nearly every angle of this aspect of gaming.
The post How to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2020-04-291h 09Mechanisms Archives - Board Game Design LabHow to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi
Assad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, how to design a collectible card game and how to run a company with a CCG as your main product.
Assad has been designing CCGs for 20+ years and running his own CCG company for quite a while, so we’re able to explore nearly every angle of this aspect of gaming.
The post How to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2020-04-291h 09The Board Game Design LabHow to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi
Assad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, how to design a collectible card game and how to run a company with a CCG as your main product.
Assad has been designing CCGs for 20+ years and running his own CCG company for quite a while, so we’re able to explore nearly every angle of this aspect of gaming.
The post How to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2020-04-291h 09Podcast Archives - Board Game Design LabHow to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi
Assad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, how to design a collectible card game and how to run a company with a CCG as your main product.
Assad has been designing CCGs for 20+ years and running his own CCG company for quite a while, so we’re able to explore nearly every angle of this aspect of gaming.
The post How to Design a Collectible Card Game with Assad Quraishi appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2020-04-291h 09Board Game Design Lab[BONUS] Assad Quraishi on Designing CCGsThe post [BONUS] Assad Quraishi on Designing CCGs appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2018-09-1415 minThe Board Game Design Lab[BONUS] Assad Quraishi on Designing CCGsThe post [BONUS] Assad Quraishi on Designing CCGs appeared first on Board Game Design Lab.
2018-09-1415 minPlaytesting Archives - Board Game Design LabPlaytesting with Assad QuraishiAssad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, talks about playtesting.Assad is a professional user interface designer and has a ton of insight on testing.
Resources mentioned in the show:
Here is some info about James Bach:
His website: http://www.satisfice.com/
Some videos: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+bach
Amazing Book: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/lessons-learned-in/9780471081128/
And for James Whittaker
Blog from James: https://testing.googleblog.com/2009/06/james-whittaker-joins-google.html
Some Videso: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+whittaker
Good book: https://www.amazon.ca/Googl...
2018-09-1255 minThe Board Game Design LabPlaytesting with Assad QuraishiAssad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, talks about playtesting.Assad is a professional user interface designer and has a ton of insight on testing.
Resources mentioned in the show:
Here is some info about James Bach:
His website: http://www.satisfice.com/
Some videos: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+bach
Amazing Book: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/lessons-learned-in/9780471081128/
And for James Whittaker
Blog from James: https://testing.googleblog.com/2009/06/james-whittaker-joins-google.html
Some Videso: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+whittaker
Good book: https://www.amazon.ca/Googl...
2018-09-1255 minBoard Game Design LabPlaytesting with Assad QuraishiAssad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, talks about playtesting.Assad is a professional user interface designer and has a ton of insight on testing.
Resources mentioned in the show:
Here is some info about James Bach:
His website: http://www.satisfice.com/
Some videos: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+bach
Amazing Book: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/lessons-learned-in/9780471081128/
And for James Whittaker
Blog from James: https://testing.googleblog.com/2009/06/james-whittaker-joins-google.html
Some Videso: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+whittaker
Good book: https://www.amazon.ca/Googl...
2018-09-1255 minPodcast Archives - Board Game Design LabPlaytesting with Assad QuraishiAssad Quraishi, designer of Genesis: Battle of Champions, talks about playtesting.Assad is a professional user interface designer and has a ton of insight on testing.
Resources mentioned in the show:
Here is some info about James Bach:
His website: http://www.satisfice.com/
Some videos: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+bach
Amazing Book: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/lessons-learned-in/9780471081128/
And for James Whittaker
Blog from James: https://testing.googleblog.com/2009/06/james-whittaker-joins-google.html
Some Videso: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=james+whittaker
Good book: https://www.amazon.ca/Googl...
2018-09-1255 min