Just do it.

I love seeing people who just do it, start an initiative with a clear purpose, not worry about perfection but act with passion, influence many others to join, and put their money where there mouth is by leading the way.

One of the greatest things about Toronto is we have more than a few people that fits this description; TIFF, Fashion Cares, IDS, Nuit Blanche, Luminato, and now Terroir.

Terroir is a one-day symposium for everyone in the food industry - chefs, restaurateurs, writers & photographers - to share big ideas, and in their 7th year, speakers from all over the world came to speak about what makes them get up every morning to just do it. All the "bigs" in the food world - Trevor Gulliver CEO of St.John London, Kate Krader of Food & Wine Magazine, Rene Redzepi Chef/Co-Owner of Noma Copenhagen - were recently in Toronto making Terroir 7 incredibly inspiring. Being a humble audience member for the past three years, I believe this year was the tipping point for the festival to attract bigger sponsors and larger crowds.

Of course all leaders require a team to make it happen, Arlene Stein Founder of Terroir is no different, but it is her big dream and continued drive that keeps the engine running. Plus, who else do you know that puts their "money where there mouth is" by reaching into their own pocket for a shortfall in order to keep it going, like Elon Musk and Peter Diamandis?

What is admirable about Terroir is they dare to make a difference, care to improve on mistakes and fail forward, and provide a platform for Toronto hospitality to shine on a world stage.

Thank you Arlene and team for all your hard work and the world will benefit as you keep doing it.