Robert Barnard

In the face of a mounting housing crisis that is hitting young people especially hard, Robert has applied his 30 years of experience to launch TobogganFlats. It brings affordable coliving for young people to converted vacant office space. Toboggan Flats is currently reviewing 500.000 square meters of potential space in Canada to build its first coliving venture.
In 2012, Robert co-founded Youthful Cities to amplify the power of urban youth globally. Using his three decades of experience in youth engagement and innovation, Youthful Cities focuses on the critical nexus of youth (15-29 yrs) and cities. After all, if cities are the world’s progress engine, youth are the engineers.
Youthful Cities creates data-driven solutions to spur urban social innovation and positive change led by young people. It builds indexes, creates compelling stories, hosts summits, and runs innovation labs to bring young people and other generations together to build connected, dynamic, open, inventive, curious, and playful cities…youthful cities.
Robert embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19 by launching his own beachwear clothing line, and a Canadian NGO dedicated to informing and inspiring youth to take action. In 1994, Robert co-founded Decode, a global innovation and insight firm focused on understanding and connecting with younger generations.
Throughout his journey, Robert has addressed audiences worldwide on topics related to younger generations. He co-authored the best-selling book on Generation X, titled “Chips and Pop: Decoding the Nexus Generation.” Additionally, he has served on various NGO Boards of Directors, including Street Kids International. His diverse experiences include roles as a bank teller, tennis instructor, recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, and even a pizza delivery guy.
Robert’s multifaceted career showcases his commitment to youth engagement, innovative thinking, and a keen understanding of the dynamics shaping younger generations.