The Cabrera Lab Podcast

Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera tackle the universal struggle of accepting tough feedback. They reveal how we build protective mental walls around our self-image, blocking growth. With humor and insights, they introduce the concept of a semi-permeable mind, encouraging openness to truth while protecting core values. They suggest practical tools like is/is-not lists to uncover rigid self-beliefs and share strategies to transform feedback from something painful into a path for improvement. Embrace feedback to accelerate personal growth!

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.

Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera tackle the issue of overcommitting and the guilt that drives it. They reveal a self-made loop involving fear and misplaced responsibility that leads to burnout. Listeners learn to set genuine boundaries without succumbing to guilt and to challenge assumptions about others’ perceptions. Tools like the RAR Quad help distinguish between reaction and intentional action. Plus, the 'two-by-four guy' metaphor illustrates how external pressures can hinder personal agency. By diagramming their mental models, individuals can reclaim their time and energy.

Explore how mental models shape both parenting and workplace dynamics. Discover the distinction between teen freedom and parental risk that can lead to misunderstandings. Learn to surface differing definitions for better communication. Delve into the concept of shared mental models in organizations and how conflicting cultures create confusion. The hosts emphasize using visuals to clarify ideas and adapting rules to fit complex situations. Gain practical tools to trace behavior back to these underlying models, fostering healthier interactions at home and work.

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.

Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera tackle the failures of our education system, highlighting the pitfall of prioritizing content over thinking. They advocate for O-based education that promotes organizational skills and mental models. Discussing the long-term impacts of early schooling on civic engagement, they argue for systems thinking as the solution. Delving into how teaching thinking skills can enhance test performance, they illustrate the benefits across life domains—health, finances, and relationships—while emphasizing the need to safeguard students from manipulation.

Discover a revolutionary approach to thinking with the introduction of System 3, which combines speed and accuracy. The hosts dissect the limitations of traditional fast and slow thinking, illustrating how daily practice and metacognition can reshape your mental processes. Drawing insights from elite performers, they emphasize the importance of mental exercises known as the Six Moves. Practical tips for improving thinking skills and the impact of structured frameworks are also discussed, paving the way for a smarter, faster mindset.