The Cabrera Lab Podcast

Dive into a lively critique of famous systems thinking quotes by legends like Deming and Meadows. The hosts humorously rate each quote on validity, reliability, and usefulness, revealing surprising truths and myths. From Deming's insightful principle that systems reflect their results to a skeptical take on Senge's metaphors, listeners will find entertaining insights on which ideas hold weight. Plus, learn how to navigate popular claims with a keen eye for empirical evidence—an essential guide for any systems thinker!

In this Think It Through episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University tackle two everyday problems that reveal the hidden power of systems thinking. They start by breaking down why theory and practice are never truly separate, showing how real solutions emerge when people think structurally—whether they’re leading teams or navigating family life.Using a 7% market growth challenge as a case study, they introduce a powerful move called P Gen S Drop P—a simple way to align marketing, sales, and operations around a shared mental model instead of competing perspectives. Then, they apply the same logic to a deeply relatable family conflict between two sisters stuck in a feedback loop of stress and unhealthy habits.From corporate strategy to personal relationships, this episode proves one thing: when you stop debating perspectives and start diagramming systems, you can see the real structure beneath every problem—and finally solve it.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University help a listener untangle a familiar problem: saying yes to everything and ending up exhausted, resentful, and burned out.They diagram the hidden mental model behind overcommitment—a self-made loop of guilt, fear, and misplaced responsibility—and show how systems thinking can break it. You’ll learn how to set real boundaries without guilt, stop assuming what others think of you, and reclaim your time and energy.From the “2x4 Guy” (you’ll get it) to emotional intelligence and the Rar Quad, this episode offers practical, mindset-shifting tools to help you stop reacting and start acting with purpose.

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.