In a world where change is the only constant, how can leaders help their organisations adapt, innovate and execute more effectively?

In this episode of Three Steps Ahead, Martin Gibbs, Richard Miller and Simon Cossey explore the growing importance of Agile thinking in business leadership and strategy execution.

Richard shares his experience as a qualified Scrum Master and explains how Agile evolved from software development into a practical approach that can help any organisation respond more quickly to changing customer needs, shifting priorities and increasing uncertainty.

The conversation explores why many organisations struggle not with strategy itself, but with implementation. The team discuss concepts such as Minimum Viable Products, rapid feedback loops, experimentation, customer value and the importance of learning through action rather than waiting for perfection.

Along the way they examine the role of culture, leadership, resilience and empowered teams in creating organisations that can thrive in an increasingly volatile business environment.

Key themes include:
• Agile versus Scrum – what's the difference?
• Why perfection can be the enemy of progress
• The power of experimentation and learning
• Building customer value into every decision
• Creating agile cultures and empowered teams
• Practical steps leaders can take today

If you're looking for practical ways to improve execution, adapt more quickly to change and build a more responsive organisation, this episode is for you.

Three Steps Ahead – Practical strategy for the next move.

What do people find when they search for you online and what decision are they making before you even meet? In this episode of Three Steps Ahead, Martin Gibbs and Simon Cossey take a practical deep dive into the modern Zero Moment of Truth (ZMOT) — the critical moment where clients, employers, prospects and connections form an opinion about you before the meeting even begins.

In 2026, your personal brand is no longer optional. LinkedIn profiles, company bios, podcasts, Google results, social media activity and online reputation all combine to create a digital first impression that can open, or quietly close opportunities.

This episode explores:
- Why buyers often decide before the first conversation
- The “pattern match” effect and instant credibility signals
- How people now “triangulate” your online presence
- The silent red flags that damage trust
- Why an inactive LinkedIn profile says more than you think
- Moving from a passive CV to an active signal of expertise
- Borrowed credibility and the importance of networks
- The 60-second online audit test
- How leaders stay Three Steps Ahead by building visibility before they need it

A short, practical and highly relevant episode for business leaders, advisers, professionals and anyone building a reputation in a digital-first world.

#ThreeStepsAhead #ZMOT #PersonalBrand #Leadership #LinkedIn #BusinessStrategy #DigitalReputation #Marketing #ProfessionalServices #businessgrowth

More 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
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon
🌐 https://threestepsahead.buzzsprout.com
Hosted by: Martin Gibbs | Richard Miller | Simon Cossey

Three Steps Ahead - Practical strategy for the next move

Martin Gibbs is joined in this episode of Three Steps Ahead by Brian Jukes, Joint Managing Partner and Head of Corporate Tax at Dafferns, a leading independent accounting firm, based in Coventry. Martin and Brian worked together for more than 25 years and together they reflect on the state of the world in 2026:

- What are the key issues business leaders are facing today?
- What impact does the latest UK tax regime have?
- What on earth is going on with the UK Government, the USA and how can business leaders plan with this uncertainty?
- 2 Accountants Talk about cars again! --- Where are we with the UK car market, the ZEV mandate and the push towards full EVs -- and how did Brian cope with a long distance road trip to Scotland in his EV?
- The Rise of AI and how this is impacting both the professional services market and employment prospects
- and finally Brian's top book recommendation for business leaders in 2026

More about our guest Brian Jukes and Dafferns

More 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
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon
🌐 https://threestepsahead.buzzsprout.com
Hosted by: Martin Gibbs | Richard Miller | Simon Cossey

Three Steps Ahead - Practical strategy for the next move