We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nile Fortner. Check out our conversation below.
Nile, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
With my two media outlets, Las Olas Insider and Our South Florida, I’m not just running media platforms but I’m walking a path with purpose. Every step is intentional, from timing out rollouts to planning ahead like a chess player eyeing the endgame. I’m breaking it all down and building a brand through strategy, not chance. There’s a blueprint behind every move, from market plans to content drops, each one designed to grow the names with staying power. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about building something lasting, with momentum that speaks louder than the moment. I’ve seen this playout for so many others and even people I’ve worked with and I’m using those people as inspiration.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Las Olas Insider is your new pass to the heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale and we’re highlighting the culture, connections, and community that make Las Olas more than just a boulevard. Also, Our South Florida takes a wider lens, spotlighting the stories, people, and places that shape the region, from hidden gems to household names. Both brands are more than media because they’re movements in motion, built with intention, timing, and a market strategy that’s paving the way for something bigger than buzz. We also focus on up-and-comers, write our articles in a more engaging and descriptive way, and are evolving with he next wave of local media.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Ever since I was a kid, I was drawn to the power of storytelling. Whether it was through the vivid worlds of comic books, the unforgettable characters in movies, or the thrilling narratives that unfolded on Saturday mornings in the family living room, stories always spoke to me. They were more than just entertainment — they were magic. They were windows into the human experience, mirrors reflecting our struggles, triumphs, and dreams.
Growing up, I realized that this deep love for stories wasn’t just a pastime — it was a purpose. While others were playing outside or scrolling endlessly, I was writing, imagining, and studying the craft of storytelling. I fell in love with the idea that a single story could inform, inspire, and even change lives.
That’s when I realized that words and stories are something that can bring people together, inform, and inspire, and once I realized that I wanted to apply it into my life.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of not being enough and not measuring up. Not doing things perfectly or not hitting the mark has held me back more than anything. It’s that quiet voice that second-guesses bold ideas or delays taking the leap. But over time, learning to act in spite of that fear, to move forward even imperfectly, has been the most freeing part of the journey. We always ssay things like waiting for the perfect time, but it’s never the perfect time.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, always, and people cans sense when you’re phony as a football bat. Whether it’s a networking event, with old friends, etc. authenticity is key, and I still keep my intentions, goals, personality, and even sense of humor when in public.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was a kind person. Someone who showed up every day and simply tried to put one foot in front of the other. Life is hard, unpredictable, and full of unknowns, but through it all, I laughed, I loved, and I cared. I believed in treating people the way I’d want to be treated, and I hope that showed in the way I told stories, supported my community, and built connections. Whether through my journalism with Sun-Sentinel and others, or my work with Las Olas Insider and Our South Florida, I hope it’s clear that I always led with heart and did my best to make people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oursouthflorida.com/ and https://www.lasolasinsider.com/
- Instagram: @oursouthflorida and @lasolasinsider and @nile_fortner
Image Credits
Photos by Stephen Rafferty
Logos by ZW Illustration
