(idiomatic) Changing before competitors.
(idiomatic) Above average; generally performing well.
Source: en.wiktionary.orgahead-of-the-curve
What seems to most balance out the major music labels resistance to the MP3 explosion is the fact that their own artists are ahead of the curve. Richard Menta
The Florida in my novels is not as seedy as the real Florida. It's hard to stay ahead of the curve. Every time I write a scene that I think is the sickest thing I have ever dreamed up, it is surpassed by something that happens in real life. Carl Hiaasen
You have to change the set, stay ahead of the curve. Carson Daly
James Cameron has always been way ahead of the curve in terms of the use of technology in his movies. Joe Morton
We need to focus on green jobs: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass. There's so many opportunities. But other countries like China are getting ahead of the curve. Alexi Giannoulias
I feel it's my job to continue being a student of music if I want to continue being an artist and a producer of other artists. You have to keep filling your mind with other music. You have to be ahead of the curve. Bruno Mars