Pressing Matters Allie Garfinkle, Senior Finance Reporter, Fortune
Aug 19, 2025
Allie Garfinkle, Senior Finance Reporter at Fortune, shares her unique journey from aspiring theater artist to influential finance journalist. She reflects on her resilient Miami upbringing and the diverse cultural influences that shape her storytelling. The conversation dives into the evolving world of venture capital, with a keen focus on AI's impact. Allie also highlights her passion for freediving, intertwining it with life lessons from the ocean, while teasing her contributions to the upcoming Fortune Brainstorm Tech event.
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Miami Shaped Her Storytelling
- Allie grew up in North Miami Beach and credits Miami's diversity and strange history for shaping her storytelling taste.
- She watched her dad navigate commercial real estate during the Great Recession, which influenced her interest in economic stories.
Theater And Singing Began Her Path
- Allie originally studied theater and performance studies and sang as an alto, which fed her love of storytelling.
- She later returned to voice lessons and still sings Stevie Nicks in private practice.
Ocean Diving Became Her Anchor
- Allie is a certified scuba diver and freediver and describes breath-hold diving as calming and humbling.
- She trained during COVID and stresses never to free-dive alone and to respect the ocean's scale.
