Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to De’lon Dixon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi De’Lon, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
From a young age, my mom made sure I was comfortable speaking in front of people. I grew up participating in church, where I helped with communion and led prayers in front of hundreds of people by the time I was 10. That early exposure gave me a strong foundation in public speaking and confidence.
In college, I studied behavioral sciences, which deepened my understanding of how people think, communicate, and engage with one another. That academic background helped me develop a strategic approach to effective communication.
I was also fortunate to have incredible mentors along the way. One of the most impactful was Jon Hochmuth, Ph.D., who is an exceptional communicator. I had the opportunity to learn from him for six years during both undergrad and grad school, and his guidance shaped the way I approach communication today.
Beyond formal education, a lot of my growth came through trial and error—doing countless presentations, putting myself in uncomfortable conversations, and learning how to navigate them effectively. Experience is the best teacher, and I embraced every opportunity to refine my skills.
Lastly, I’m always looking for ways to improve. I listen to The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett, which has been a great resource for sharpening my communication skills.
Communication is something I’ve continuously worked on, and it’s been a mix of early exposure, education, mentorship, real-world practice, and ongoing learning that has helped me develop this ability.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My journey in the tech space has been shaped by a deep passion for innovation, education, and accessibility. As recently highlighted in a BridgeDetroit article, I was at a crossroads two years ago, considering leaving Detroit for Miami’s growing tech scene. But one conversation at Black Tech Saturdays changed everything. That moment gave me the stage to showcase my skills, and it reshaped my trajectory. Instead of leaving, I decided to build something impactful right here in Detroit.
Think Technologies & u[think]: Closing the Digital Divide
Today, I’m proud to say that Think Technologies is growing, and we’re launching our most ambitious project yet: u[think], an AI-powered eLearning platform designed to bridge the digital divide and equip people with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills.
Growing up, I was obsessed with technology—I got my first computer in third grade, constantly breaking things and putting them back together. Without even realizing it, I was learning problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation—skills that aren’t always taught in traditional education. I later spent years in corporate America, gaining access to knowledge, tools, and insights that often stay locked within Fortune 500 companies. But innovation shouldn’t be exclusive. u[think] is built to change that.
Why This Matters
The digital divide is real. Research shows that:
13% of U.S. workers have no digital skills.
18% have only basic proficiency.
Even those who are tech-savvy struggle to keep up with rapid advancements.
And yet, curiosity about technology is high—70% of adults aged 57-75 are interested in tech, but only 38% use the internet to learn new skills. That’s a massive opportunity gap that u[think] is designed to close.
Through u[think], we’re providing:
AI-powered course recommendations to guide users toward relevant skills.
Micro-courses & in-depth training on tools like Canva, Google Analytics, ChatGPT, and more.
Entrepreneurial & innovation training, helping people not just learn tech but apply it to solve real-world problems.
Community-driven learning, connecting users with industry leaders, tech professionals, and peers.
We’re actively seeking partners and investors to help scale this initiative. In just a short time, 100+ people have already signed up for our waitlist, and we’re just getting started. With Clixie AI & Black Tech Saturdays as strategic partners, we’re making u[think] a reality.
From “Google Boy” to Partnering with Google
Growing up, I was known as “Google Boy”—not just because I loved technology, but because I saw Google as more than a company. I saw it as the key to unlocking knowledge, access, and opportunity. Google’s innovations shaped the way I viewed the world and inspired my journey into tech.
Fast forward to today, and I’m standing on the other side of history.
Think Technologies is now partnering with Google for The Belonging Blueprint: A Black History Innovation Summit—a major event alongside Detroit’s brightest innovators.
This is more than a collaboration; it’s a full-circle moment.
From learning through Google as a kid to partnering with them to create the future.
From being an outsider in tech to helping build blueprints for belonging.
From “Google Boy” as a nickname to a living example of what’s possible.
Massive shoutout to Johnnie Turnage (Black Tech Saturdays) and Tim Moore (Clixie AI) for helping bring this vision to life. What started as a random group chat has turned into a movement that’s making real impact.
Grateful for the Recognition: Innovation Award Winner
I’m honored to have received an Innovation Award from Glassbox, recognizing the work I’ve been doing to push boundaries in AI, technology, and digital transformation. This award is a reflection of not just my work, but the incredible team and community that supports me.
A huge thank you to Glassbox for providing the space and resources that allow us to continue building groundbreaking solutions. This is just the beginning!
At the core of everything I do is a commitment to making technology more accessible, empowering others, and building solutions that create real change. If you’re interested in collaborating, investing, or learning more about our work, let’s connect.
Let’s build the future together.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Being an Effective Communicator
No matter how great your ideas are, if you can’t communicate them clearly, they won’t gain traction. Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about engaging, inspiring, and making complex ideas accessible. Whether pitching an idea, leading a team, or networking, being able to convey your vision in a way that resonates with others is a game-changer.
Advice:
Practice public speaking and storytelling—these skills help people connect with your ideas.
Seek feedback and refine how you explain concepts to different audiences.
Listen more than you talk. The best communicators know how to understand their audience first.
2. Being Passionate About Your Work
Passion fuels resilience, creativity, and innovation. There will be setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt, but if you truly believe in what you’re working on, you’ll find a way forward. Passion is what keeps you going when things don’t go as planned, and it’s what draws others to support your vision.
Advice:
Work on things that genuinely excite you—curiosity and excitement are contagious.
Surround yourself with like-minded people who push you to grow.
Find the “why” behind what you’re doing. When your work has purpose, it becomes easier to stay motivated.
3. Mastering Storytelling
You could have the best idea in the world, but if no one connects with it, it won’t have the impact it should. Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for influence, persuasion, and inspiration. The way you frame your journey, your mission, or your product determines how people perceive and engage with it.
Advice:
Focus on why your work matters, not just what you do.
Use real-life experiences and emotions to create authentic connections.
Share your story consistently—whether through social media, public speaking, or one-on-one conversations.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about how well you communicate it, how much passion you bring to the table, and how effectively you tell your story to the world.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a go-getter mindset. They taught me that if you want something badly enough, you can make it happen—but it takes hustle, resilience, and unwavering determination. Both of my parents were entrepreneurs at different points in their lives, so I grew up seeing firsthand what it meant to create your own opportunities instead of waiting for them.
Beyond that, they also taught me the power of communication. From a young age, they made sure I knew how to connect with people, carry myself with confidence, and be charismatic. That ability to engage with others, build relationships, and communicate effectively has been one of the biggest factors in my success.
Whether it was through their entrepreneurial spirit or the way they encouraged me to speak up and put myself out there, my parents shaped the mindset and skills that continue to guide me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.think-technologies.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think._.technologies, https://www.instagram.com/delon_dixon0/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-technologies
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@delon_dixon
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
