In this episode of Two Beats Ahead Live!, Michael Hendrix interviews Melkorka Magnúsdóttir, a choreographer, member of synth pop duo, Milkywhale, and cofounder of Iceland Innovation Week, a platform that celebrates and promotes innovation, startups, and entrepreneurial activities. They discuss the rigidness of business culture and how play and joy are necessary characteristics of innovation, a practice which requires belief in positive possibilities. Melkorka explains how this optimism shows up in the choreography of Iceland Innovation Week’s “OK, Bye Climate Theater,” and why she loves the enthusiasm of “intrapreneurs,” whom she sees as artist archetypes. They also cover her new project, Hverfa and the value of reframing the world through children’s eyes in order to rediscover everyday experiences.

In this episode of Two Beats Ahead Live!, Michael Hendrix interviews accomplished Icelandic fine artist and photographer, Lilja Birgisdöttir, co-founder of Fischersund Perfumery and Art Collective. LIlja takes us on an intimate scent journey through the collective's shop and explains how this multi-sensory experience emerged from a desire to collaborate with her siblings, the most well-known being Jónsi, the singer of atmospheric post-rock band, Sigur Rós.

We discuss how pursuing personal passions results in universally relatable art and how this pursuit can also be a platform for growing a business. She shares how the experience design of Fischersund is a a gentle counterpoint to modern, aggressive retail experiences and why she values creativity and connection. We also touch on the science of embodied cognition—understanding the world through our five senses—and how the collective's latest exhibition, Faux Flora, has been a means of personal artistic growth through collaboration.

In this episode of Two Beats Ahead Live!, Michael Hendrix interviews renowned Icelandic choreographer, artist, and designer Sigga Soffia, founder of Eldblóm Elixir. Sigga Sofia shares how her clear understanding of “designing moments” has led to a connected career, from dancer to fireworks designer to gardener to spirits entrepreneur. She discusses the unpredictable nature of Icelandic weather and how it has been key to her building resilience and confidence as a creator, and how her own year-long battle with cancer deepened her commitment to honesty, joy and art.