DBG Detroit and The Human Stack: A Digital Transformation Knockout

Introduction

Picture this: a bustling gym in Detroit, filled not just with the sounds of boxing gloves hitting punching bags but with the excited chatter of kids discussing their latest book reports and science projects. Welcome to the Downtown Boxing Gym, where jabs and hooks meet literacy and STEM. But behind the scenes, DBG was fighting a different kind of battle - one against disorganized data, tech-shy staff, and a digital infrastructure that was on the ropes.

At The Human Stack, we believe in empowering organizations to drive their tech before it drives them crazy. When we began our partnership with DBG in 2019, we saw an opportunity to make a significant impact on their mission through our Digital Guidance® methodology.

The Challenge

We saw a familiar site when we first stepped into DBG's ring in 2019. Jessica Hauser, Executive Director, Meredith, the Fund Development Coordinator, and later Skylar, the Programs Data and Literacy Coordinator, DBG was grappling with significant digital hurdles:

• Disorganized Data Management: The organization relied heavily on paper, meetings, and spreadsheets scattered across departments. This made data unreliable and reporting cumbersome.

• Lack of Technical Infrastructure: With minimal exposure to advanced systems like Salesforce, the staff had limited technical skills, relying mostly on Excel and Google Drive.

• Inefficient Communication: There was a disconnect between departments, leading to missed information and a lack of cohesive understanding of organizational goals.

• Overwhelmed Staff: Team members were juggling multiple roles without streamlined processes, leading to inefficiencies and burnout.

As Meredith put it,

We were not digitally forward at all when we first started. Any of us beyond some Excel and maybe a Google Drive—we did not use technology. It was really meetings and paper.

Sounds familiar? It's the classic nonprofit tech tango: two steps forward, one step back, and a whole lot of paper cuts. It was clear: DBG needed more than a tech upgrade. They needed a complete Digital Transformation.

The Solution

Now, we could've walked in with a shiny new CRM and called it a day. But at The Human Stack, we don't just change systems; we change mindsets. We introduced DBG Detroit to our patented Digital Guidance® methodology—a human-centered approach to digital transformation, broken down into three phases.

Phase 1: Diagnose Digital Health

First things first, we needed to know what we were dealing with. We began with an on-site training session, flying out to meet the entire DBG team. Together, we conducted a full digital health check-up, identifying six realities of their current state:

1. Data Reliability: Inconsistent data due to multiple spreadsheets.

2. System Usage: Limited use of existing tools and lack of trust in data.

3. Team Alignment: Misalignment among departments with unclear tool benefits.

4. Technical Capacity: Low technical skills and reliance on paper-based processes.

5. Process Efficiency: Time wasted on managing staff, processes, and data.

6. Strategic Vision: Knowing what they needed but not how to get there.

This diagnostic allowed us to create a tailored roadmap for their digital transformation.

Phase 2: Develop Human Capacity

Understanding that humans take time to change, we focused on building the technical habits of their team. This is where the magic happens. We didn't train DBG's staff; we transformed them into digital champions.

Meredith, a English and Religion major turned tech guru, put it best:

It is the least likely thing in the world that I...ended up being the system admin. But there we have it...you don't need tech background to be able to successfully run the system.

Take that, imposter syndrome! 

Our methodology of meeting weekly, month-over-month, helps you make your technology more functional and streamlined. Our framework also helps your staff see their complaints as a sign of hope and gets your data to tell the truth. Think life coach but for your organization and its technology. Here's what we did:

• Hands-On: We provided real-time, one-on-one meetings, allowing staff to learn by doing. Meredith noted, "For my particular learning style, I felt [hands-on training] was most valuable to be able to learn as I went and as I built things and as I solved problems for team members."

• Empowering Non-Technical Staff: Despite her background in English and Religion, Meredith became the system administrator.

• Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: We introduced a case management system where team members could submit issues, ideas, and feedback. Over three years, they created 768 cases, turning complaints into opportunities for growth.

Phase 3: Build Digital Infrastructure

With our newly minted tech team and a solid foundation, we moved to enhance their digital tools:

• Salesforce Implementation: We customized Salesforce to meet DBG's unique needs, integrating it across fund development and program departments.

• Data Visualization: We built dashboards and KPIs to monitor data health, track progress, and identify areas needing attention. Meredith explained, "We have monthly KPIs...we aim to have them complete a better center by the Center of Excellence meeting...This is where the work happens in guidance."

• Process Automation: Streamlined processes reduced manual data entry and errors, freeing up staff time for mission-critical activities.

The Impact

So, did our Digital Guidance® pack a punch? You bet your boxing gloves it did! Our partnership resulted in transformative outcomes for DBG:

• Enhanced Team Alignment: Departments now communicate effectively, understanding how their roles contribute to the overall mission.

• Improved Data Integrity: Reliable data allowed for accurate reporting and informed decision-making. Meredith shared, "It's like night and day in terms of how focused we are in technology and our facility with that technology."

• Empowered Staff: Team members like Skylar and Meredith, without prior tech backgrounds, became proficient in managing and leveraging advanced systems.

• Sustainable Practices: The organization developed a rhythm of regular meetings—admin, guidance, and Center of Excellence meetings—that kept the momentum going and ensured continuous improvement.

• Scalable Solutions: With a future-proofed digital infrastructure, DBG Detroit is well-positioned to grow and adapt to new challenges.

Conclusion

At The Human Stack, we're passionate about creating a brand-new human stack—one that places people at the center of technology. Our partnership with DBG Detroit exemplifies how organizations can transform their digital futures by investing in them and shows what happens when you put humans at the center of technology.

We didn't just implement a new system; we cultivated a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

As Meredith aptly put it,

The system is never perfect and complete. It's always going to evolve. It's always going to live.

By turning challenges into opportunities and complaints into actionable tasks, DBG now drives their tech confidently, ready to create incredible change in their community.

DBG's transformation didn't just impress us; it caught the eye of some heavy hitters. We're talking CNN Heroes, General Motors grants, features on The Today Show and PBS NewsHour. They even got a shoutout from Forbes and The New York Times. Not bad for a "boxing gym," huh?

So, are you ready to step into the ring of digital transformation? Are you tired of technology throwing punches at your organization? Then it's time to put on your gloves and join The Human Stack movement. Because when it comes to digital transformation, we're in your corner.

Let's get ready to rumble... with your data!

Awards and Accolades

• CNN Heroes (2017): Khali Sweeney, founder of DBG Detroit, was honored as a CNN Hero for his dedication to empowering youth through education and boxing. CNN Heroes: Khali Sweeney

• Forbes: "Detroit Boxing Gym Offers Kids A Fighting Chance"

• The New York Times: "At This Gym, Kids Are Fighting for More Than Titles"

• The Today Show: Detroit boxing gym helps kids get a fighting chance - Today Show

• PBS NewsHour: How boxing is helping Detroit students aim for college - PBS NewsHour