How do leaders get Three Steps Ahead and make better strategy decisions in 2026? In this episode, Martin Gibbs, Richard Miller and Simon Cossey explore what high-performing leaders must get right in a rapidly changing, AI-augmented world.

With early access to Mindshop’s Business Leader Global Trends Report 2026, we analyse the 8 key leadership performance trends shaping decision-making, execution and leadership effectiveness in 2026 — from judgement and operating cadence to psychological endurance and the role of the leader as Connector-in-Chief.

This is not an episode about AI tools or hype. It’s a practical, experience-led conversation about how leaders think clearly, maintain momentum, and make better next moves when volatility and uncertainty are the norm.

About Three Steps Ahead
Three Steps Ahead is a business and leadership podcast for business owners, founders and senior leaders who want practical strategy that actually works.
Most business podcasts talk about what happened.
Three Steps Ahead is about what you should do next.
• Who it’s for: business leaders, founders, senior managers
• What makes it different: practical strategy, simple thinking, real experience
• Why now: 2026 is shaping up to be volatile — clarity matters more than ever
Drawing on decades of advisory, mentoring and peer-group experience, the podcast focuses on how leaders plan well, think beyond the immediate, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Listen & follow:

YouTube https://youtu.be/faH3l6brEIM
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon
🌐 www.threestepsahead.co.uk
Hosted by:
Martin Gibbs | Richard Miller | Simon Cossey

Three Steps Ahead - Practical strategy for the next move

Three Steps Ahead is a business strategy and leadership podcast for owners, leaders and advisers who want practical ideas that actually work.

Practical strategy for the next move
Helping leaders think further

Hosted by Martin Gibbs, Richard Miller and Simon Cossey, the podcast brings together decades of experience in advisory, leadership facilitation, peer-to-peer learning and business development. Across the series, the conversation focuses on simple, effective strategy, authentic leadership, and how leaders can make better decisions in an increasingly uncertain and fast-changing world.

The three hosts share a long history of working with owner-managed businesses. Martin and Richard were partners for more than 25 years at Dafferns Accountants, Simon worked closely with the firm as a business development consultant, and all three have led and facilitated senior peer-learning groups. They are also accredited Mindshop Expert Advisers, with a strong belief in clear planning, shared accountability and continuous learning.

Each episode of Three Steps Ahead is an open, unscripted conversation. Topics include leadership culture, shared values, communication, planning frameworks, experimentation, and what it really means to lead when progress is rarely linear. The podcast recognises that plans don’t always work first time — sometimes it’s three steps ahead and two steps back — but having a plan, learning from experience and adapting along the way matters far more than chasing perfection.

Over the course of the series, the hosts will also explore emerging themes such as the rise of the AI-augmented leader, the growing importance of emotional intelligence, and how leaders can create environments where people feel safe, engaged and able to perform at their best. Alongside the core trio, occasional guest contributors will bring additional perspectives from across business, leadership and professional services.

This podcast isn’t about theory, hype or quick fixes. It’s about thoughtful conversation, shared insight and practical takeaways that leaders can apply in the real world.

If you’re a business owner, senior leader or adviser who wants to think more clearly, plan more confidently and move forward with purpose, Three Steps Ahead is for you.