The Cabrera Lab Podcast

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.

In this special “IRL” (in real life) episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University sit down with a parent struggling to navigate one of the most common and emotionally charged family issues: what kids eat.Their guest, "John," opens up about his 8-year-old daughter’s ultra-processed diet, his fear for her long-term health, and how dinner has turned into a battleground. Through systems thinking, they reframe the issue—not as a fight to win tonight, but as a long game of building agency, values, and critical thinking.If you’ve ever felt powerless at the dinner table—or in any parenting dilemma—this episode shows how systems thinking can turn fear into strategy and frustration into hope.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down their updated vision for global transformation: not just 8 billion systems thinkers—but 8 billion above the standard.They unpack the science behind mental fitness, the difference between awareness and practice, and how changing your default thinking patterns can unlock faster, smarter decisions. You’ll learn why IQ and degrees don’t equal intelligence, why you are the system, and how practicing six simple thinking moves can permanently rewire your brain.If you want to lead better, live better, and help change the world—this episode lays out the roadmap.

Explore the idea that true change comes from within rather than just changing environments. Delve into how personal patterns draw similar jobs and relationships into our lives. Discover the impact of external factors on our choices and the importance of self-reflection. Learn to recognize recurring cycles in relationships, empowering you to confront emotional baggage. By transforming hard-earned lessons into personal rules, you can foster meaningful growth and break free from self-sabotage.

In this inspiring episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal the 12 Gets—a simple, science-backed system that helped Derek shed 130 pounds, reverse pre-diabetes, and reclaim his life.Born from a sabbatical of deep systems thinking and personal transformation, the 12 Gets offer a blueprint for health, longevity, and mental fitness. From “Get Moving” to “Get Smart” to “Get Challenged,” each “Get” is both accessible and adaptable—no gimmicks, just real strategies that work.Whether you're starting from zero or leveling up your routine, this episode gives you the tools to build a life that’s strong, clear, and deeply lived.GET THE BOOK: https://www.stsi.pro/product-page/connect-the-dots-book-pre-order-now

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack one of the most misunderstood (and underrated) skills: integrity. It’s not just about being a “good person”—it’s about alignment between what you say and what you do.They explore why integrity starts as a relationship with yourself, how overpromising wrecks trust, and how to build integrity through purposeful practice. If you've ever struggled to keep commitments (especially to yourself), this episode shows you how to train integrity like a muscle—and why it's the foundation for every healthy relationship, personal or professional.

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take on the everyday challenge of self-management—breaking it down into 3 essential tools: structure, rules, and distributed intelligence.From taming your to-do list and calendar chaos to creating space for flow, they share how systems thinking helps high performers (and the rest of us) build mental fitness, stay focused, and stop spinning in circles. Whether you’re neurodivergent or just drowning in deadlines, this episode delivers actionable strategies, personal stories, and real tools to help you win the day—every day.