Why Golden Triangle Principle is the key to successful client partnerships

In the high-stakes world of infrastructure consulting, success hinges on more than just technical expertise or experience – it’s about making smart choices that set your business on the right path. From picking the perfect projects to partnering with the right clients, every decision matters.

With a clear and practical approach, founder and managing director Sascha Kurz has developed the “Golden Triangle Principle” – a unique framework for identifying opportunities and ensuring the IPS team delivers exceptional results every time.

The Golden Triangle Principle explained

After years of experience in the infrastructure and engineering industries, Sascha recognised that thriving in consulting isn’t just about delivering results- but about building strong relationships, balancing and protecting your team’s resources, and staying true to core values.

“When I started IPS, I knew I wanted to work with people who share my passion for making a real impact,” Sascha explains. “That meant being intentional about the projects we take on and the clients we partner with.”

“The Golden Triangle is about alignment. It’s about finding that sweet spot where values, skills, and vision intersect. That’s where the magic happens.”

This principle allows IPS to evaluate opportunities with clarity, focusing on three critical questions that ensure alignment and long-term success:

  1. Does the client align with our values and culture?

The foundation of the Golden Triangle is client alignment. For Sascha, success begins with relationships built on trust, shared values and mutual respect.

“Every great project starts with mutual respect and shared goals,” she says. “For us at IPS, it’s not just about ticking boxes. We aim to create solutions that truly matter and contribute positively to communities. That’s why we only partner with clients and projects that align with these values.”

  1. Can we confidently deliver on the project scope?

The second point of the triangle considers the scope of the project itself. Not every opportunity is the right fit, and Sascha stresses the importance of evaluating whether a project aligns with IPS’s expertise and vision. Looking beyond what’s written in a brief, the team digs deeper to understand the client’s motivations, expectations and goals.

“This means asking tough questions: Does this project fit our capabilities? Does it contribute to a larger purpose? Can we realistically deliver exceptional outcomes?” she says.

By prioritising projects that align with the team’s strengths and long-term goals, IPS ensures that our work is impactful, efficient and executed to the highest standard.

  1. Do we have the resources and capacity to do it well?

The final point of the Golden Triangle focuses inward – on IPS’s resources and capacity. Stretching the team too thin or taking on projects that misalign with the company’s culture can lead to burnout and diminished results.

“We’re not afraid to say no if we’re not the right fit for a project. I think that’s a strength, not a weakness,” Sascha explains. “Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to say no, but it’s often the most strategic choice.”

This approach emphasises the importance of sustainability, ensuring that the team’s energy and resources are protected. By focusing on the right projects, IPS fosters an environment where quality and innovation can thrive.

A boutique approach to large-scale success

This framework has become the cornerstone of IPS’s approach, enabling the company to prioritise quality over quantity – promoting stronger partnerships, smoother project execution and better long-term results.

“It’s not just about picking the right clients,” Sascha says. “It’s about creating a shared vision and delivering work we’re proud of. That’s where the real success lies.”

How you can apply the Golden Triangle Principle

For professionals in infrastructure, engineering or consulting, the lessons from the Golden Triangle Principle offer practical guidance for smarter decision-making:

  • Take the time to evaluate potential projects holistically
  • Don’t be afraid to walk away from opportunities that aren’t the right fit
  • Always strive for alignment between the client, the project and your organisation

“For our team at IPS, this framework has become foundational to how we operate. It’s how we build trust, achieve incredible outcomes for our clients and ensure sustainable growth,” Sascha says.



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