Founder Robert Barnard has spent the last 15 years decoding youth, young adults and families. Since 1994 as founder of DECODE, Robert has led a passionate team of decoders to discover and develop what's next. Through his exploration of consumers, employees and citizens in Canada and increasingly around the world, his work transcends industries and sectors, providing a holistic approach to research and innovation. Robert is the co-author of the best-selling book Chips and Pop: Decoding the Nexus Generation and recipient of The Caldwell Partners' Canadian www.top40award-canada.org Top 40 Under 40 award. He is also Chair of www.streetkids.org Street Kids International, an innovative organization trying to help the world of more than 100 million street kids.

Prior to DECODE Robert founded Generation 2000 a Canadian youth organization committed to informing and inspiring youth to take action. He has also had stints as a clothing designer and manufacturer, bank teller, tennis instructor and pizza delivery guy.