The Cabrera Lab Podcast

In this practical episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University show how the same underlying mental structures shape both family life and organizational culture.From a frustrated parent arguing with a teen about driving to a CEO dealing with conflicting rules in the workplace, the problem isn’t people—it’s the invisible mental models guiding their behavior. Using simple systems thinking tools, they break down how to surface, compare, and rebuild shared mental models that actually work.You’ll learn how to stop having the same argument twice, fix cultural contradictions, and see the structure beneath every problem—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take a wrecking ball to the confusion surrounding systems thinking. Whether you’re brand new to the field or knee-deep in its many (often conflicting) methodologies, this episode will save you years of frustration by cutting straight to the core: what systems thinking is, what it’s not, and how to actually get good at it.They reveal why most systems thinking resources are either snake oil or rabbit holes, and why practicing the Six Moves is more powerful than reading 50 books. You’ll learn the difference between systems science, systems methods, and systems thinking—and why that difference matters. They also explain why being smart isn’t about IQ or degrees, but about aligning with reality. And yes, simplicity isn’t just okay—it’s essential.Forget the jargon, skip the cocktail-party credentials, and learn how to actually do systems thinking in real life. This episode is your shortcut to the good stuff.

Can you teach systems thinking to kids? Absolutely! Young children naturally excel at this skill, and it's crucial for combating misinformation. Learn how to use simple items like groceries or frogs to teach distinctions and perspectives. Discover the importance of organizational thinking, which fosters lifelong learning. The Six Moves become tools for kids to navigate complexity and misunderstand manipulation. Plus, practical tips for parents to engage their children in clear, critical thinking enhance resilience against external influences.

Discover how six systems thinking principles can enhance your relationships! The hosts reveal the importance of recognizing and naming mental models for better communication. They discuss the Love-Reality Loop, urging couples to face tough truths together. Learn to focus on patterns rather than isolated incidents to resolve issues. Embrace simple family rules like honesty and invest in personal growth to strengthen connections. By making relationship practices intuitive, couples can enjoy effortless harmony.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University confront a hard truth: our schools are failing because we're teaching information, not thinking.They expose the real problem behind education’s struggles—what they call the tyranny of “Content is King”—and make the case for O-based education: teaching students how to organize information and build mental models, not just memorize facts.From the over-management of teachers to the manipulation of public mental models by industries, they trace how systemic issues in education ripple out into every corner of society—health, finance, citizenship, and beyond. The solution? Systems thinking, metacognition, and daily practice of mental moves that empower students for a lifetime of learning, not just test-taking.If you're a parent, teacher, or human who wants to fix the system, this episode will shift your perspective—and maybe your path.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University challenge the binary of Kahneman’s System 1 (fast but often wrong) and System 2 (slow but usually right) thinking—and introduce a third way: System 3 Thinking.System 3 is both fast and accurate. But it doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built through metacognition and daily practice. Drawing on research and real-world examples from special forces, pro athletes, and high performers, they show you how the Six Moves and the Love-Reality Loop can rewire your brain, boost adaptivity, and dramatically improve your results.This episode doesn’t just teach a concept—it gives you a proven path to becoming a better, faster, smarter thinker. If you’re tired of overthinking, underperforming, or just reacting—this is the mental upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

In this final chapter of the Culture Code series, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University share the last 12 guiding principles that shape their team's character, cohesion, and capacity to adapt. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re lived systems of belief and behavior.You’ll explore ideas like Carhartts & Cufflinks (being comfortable anywhere), Extreme Ownership, No Discipline = No Freedom, Underpromise & Overdeliver, and the golden rule: The Way You Do Anything Is the Way You Do Everything. This episode is packed with personal stories, practical applications, and deep reflections on how culture is something you build through practice—not posters.Whether you're leading a company, team, or yourself, this episode is a masterclass in turning values into actions and building the kind of culture that lasts.

In this next installment of the Culture Code series, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal the next 9 culture principles that guide their team, their leadership, and their lives. These aren’t corporate slogans—these are lived mental models rooted in systems thinking, science, and character development.They unpack what it means to Get the GETs, be Vitruvian, Make Monergy, and practice Better Every Day. You’ll hear why Being Your Own GOAT matters more than fitting in, how to Eat Your Own Dog Food (a.k.a. live what you teach), and why Micro Makes the Macro is the secret to scaling vision into action.If you want to design a culture that grows real people—not just roles—this episode is your toolkit.

In the follow-up to Episode #79, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University continue walking through their organization’s Culture Code—a set of shared values and mental models that drive everything from personal growth to organizational excellence.This time, they explore seven powerful principles: Love Reality, Find Your Fit, Serve Others, Be Vulnerable, Have Integrity, Be Courageous, and Do the Right Thing. With raw personal stories, practical examples, and plenty of humor, they show how these daily practices aren't just good for culture—they're good for character.If you want to build a life (and team) grounded in truth, trust, and strength—this episode is your blueprint.

In this new episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack the first six principles in their organization’s Culture Code—a practical, modular set of mental models that shape character, guide behavior, and build real culture from the inside out.You’ll learn why culture isn’t about surface-level swag, but shared mental models; how to truly listen (with more than just your ears); and why systems thinkers must practice curiosity, evolution, and presence—every single day. These six principles—Team First, See Systems, Listen, Evolve, Be a Light, and Be Curious—are the building blocks of a high-integrity, high-performance life.If you’ve ever wondered how to align personal growth with professional excellence, this is where to start.