The Cabrera Lab Podcast

Is your organization running on systems—or just spinning its wheels? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive into the concept of organizational capacity: the systems that power your mission statement and ultimately, your vision. They explain why a system of systems is the key to efficiency, adaptability, and long-term success—far superior to a disconnected "bu...

Does your organization’s mission statement actually mean something, or is it just corporate fluff? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the true purpose of a mission statement, how it differs from vision, and why so many organizations get it wrong. They’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to craft a mission statement that’s clear, actionable, and a...

What’s your organization’s vision—and is it really driving you forward? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University demystify vision statements, explaining what it is (and what it’s not), why it often gets confused with mission, and how to craft a clear, actionable vision that inspires and aligns your team. They’ll walk you through a step-by-step process for creating your o...

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack the critical difference between outdated leadership models and systems leadership. They explain why organizations are more like flocks—dynamic, adaptive, and interdependent—than clocks with rigid, mechanical structures. Learn why traditional approaches like planning, commanding, controlling, and hyper-utilization don’t just...

Forget the usual “new year, new you” clichés. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive into how a systems thinker sets New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions have become a hedge for intentional self-improvement. What if instead we just made ourselves a little bit better everyday?  And because no episode is complete without a little mind-bending fun, they take a fascina...

The holidays can be magical—but they can also be downright stressful. In this special holiday episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University share their top strategies for staying sane during the season. Learn how to challenge your mental models about family, expectations, and traditions to create a more meaningful and less stressful holiday experience. They’ll show you the power of “...

Can you measure thinking? Absolutely—and it might just be the most powerful tool you’re not using. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera break down how we can measure the quality of our thinking and why doing so is a game-changer for personal growth, leadership, and decision-making. They dive into the importance of measuring what truly matters, showing how clear metrics for thinking can he...

Think you know systems thinking? Think again. In this hard-hitting episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take on the 8 biggest myths—those sacred cows everyone gets wrong—and crush them with straight-up truth and practical fixes. From the fluff to the fumbles, they’ll show you what’s holding you back and give you no-nonsense replacements to level up your thinking game. If you...

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take you on a journey from the basics of network theory to explaining why understanding networks is critical for making sense of the world. They explore how DSRP theory—Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives—does more than complement network theory; it transforms how we understand nodes and the dynamics of connecti...

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University, lay out a clear, no-nonsense protocol for practicing systems thinking and DSRP (Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, Perspectives) in under one minute. Perfect for busy people looking to sharpen their mental game, this quick, practical approach will immediately improve the way you think about problems, people, and possibilities....

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take a hard look at the dissatisfaction with the education system and why it’s failing teachers, parents, administrators, and especially students. They explore how to separate the concept of schooling from true learning, inspiring a lifelong love for discovery and self-improvement. Beyond personal growth, they share an urgent call...

In this week’s episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal the powerful skill of "hearing the underlying structure" in common phrases, giving you a deeper edge in every interaction. By tuning into these hidden layers, you’ll start to pick up on subtle cues that go beyond words—allowing you to truly understand what others are saying and where they’re coming from. Wh...

Unlock peak mental performance and tackle any challenge with confidence! This episode arms you with five actionable moves to make you more adaptive in every aspect of life. Learn how to spot patterns faster and understand complex systems effortlessly. Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal daily practices that will transform you into an intellectual powerhouse. If you're am...

In this week’s episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera dive deep into the world of thinking and explain why you should be very afraid of "buckets"—those rigid mental boxes that can limit your potential and stunt your intellectual growth. They break down the components of DSRP (Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives) and show how isolating them from each other has serious co...

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera take on context. Learn why context is part of a lazy person's conversational toolkit, understand the nuances of context, and finally learn how to use context in a fair and intelligent way. Doing so will help you understand the system far better than everyone else and be the smartest person in the room. Listen now! 

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera share all they've learned from their empirical research on view-point Perspectives. Listen now to hear about how everything from babies to atoms take perspectives, how their research increased cognitive complexity in just one minute, and how to improved your problem solving skills with just one systems thinking move: P-Circle. They tea...

In this week's episode, learn all about Action-Reaction Relationships with Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera. They share their research findings, and the two moves you need to practice to dramatically increase how many relationships you make and how accurate they are. These moves allow you to dive deeper, make more connections, increase the speed and efficacy of your thinking, and truly understand...

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera share all they've learned from their empirical research on part-whole systems. Listen now to hear about how they achieved far transfer learning in young children, increased cognitive complexity, and improved people's problem solving skills with just one systems thinking move: Zoom In/Out. They teach you that move and the groundbre...

In this week's episode, learn all about Identity-Other Distinctions with Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera. They share their research findings, and the one move you need to practice to dramatically increase your Distinction-making skill. This move allows you to reduce your biases, increase both the speed and efficacy of your thinking, and stop yourself and your team from making costly mistakes BEF...

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera take you on a journey through their recent offsite in the Italian Alps. Discover firsthand how they harness the power of nature to teach profound lessons in systems thinking. From conquering personal fears to pushing boundaries, they reveal the transformative impact of challenging oneself amidst the giants of the Alps. Join us as we uncover...

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera show us all The Path to Bueno. This path takes us from all the things that makes our lives No Bueno (bad relationships, unfulfilling jobs, etc.) to being Bueno. How do they do this? They teach us how to use the Love Reality Loop and the 5+ Thinking Moves. Listen now and go from No Bueno to Bueno. 

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera delve into the power of breaking away from societal norms and embracing being exceptional. Join them as they explore the value of forging your own path in a world that often favors conformity. Whether you're navigating career choices, personal growth, or seeking to redefine success on your terms, this episode offers insights and strate...

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera discuss the all too common situation of being the only person who is right in a room full of people. However, is that really what is happening to you? Explore the idea that everything (and everyone) is wrong. All the time. Listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera get deep and talk about the ins and outs of masking. What is the impact of masking on the neurodivergent mind? Why don't they just stop masking? Is it a secret superpower? Find out all this and more and listen now!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera explain the great paradox of life: everything you do matters, and nothing you do matters. How is this possible? Can two opposites be true at once? What does this advice mean for the young people of the world? Find out all this and more when you listen today!