Best Drs Derek And Laura Cabrera Podcasts (2025)

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#98: Think It Through: Why Having the “Perfect Holiday” Is the Fastest Way to Ruin It 30:53

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1h ago30:53

30:53

Get 20% off any STSI course with code HOLIDAY20 — start building your mental fitness today! In this holiday edition of Think It Through, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University tackle one of the most common—and least talked about—seasonal struggles: why fully capable adults suddenly feel like children again the moment they walk into thei…

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#97: What Can Systems Thinkers Do That Others Can’t? 41:19

1h ago41:19

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Get 20% off any STSI course with code SYSTEMS20 — start building your mental fitness today! In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University tackle a deceptively simple question they were asked at a social event: “What can you do that other people can’t do if you’re a systems thinker?” Their answer is grounded in research, not hy…

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#96: Think It Through: The Hidden Cost of Always Doing What You’re Told 29:51

10d ago29:51

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Get 20% off any STSI course with code THINKITTHROUGH20 — start building your mental fitness today! In this Think It Through episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down a problem facing kids, college students, and professionals alike: what do you do when you do exceptional work—but the system only rewards strict compliance…

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#95: Think It Through: Teaching Your Kids to Love Reality 36:49

15d ago36:49

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Get 25% off any STSI course with code THANKS25 - Happy Thanksgiving! In this Think It Through episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University tackle a listener’s real-life parenting dilemma: a 10-year-old boy terrified of monsters lurking in his house. What begins as a bedtime fear unfolds into a profound lesson on mental models, eviden…

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#94: Fast. Right. Adaptive. The Power of Practicing Is/Is Not List 33:46

27d ago33:46

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Get 15% off any STSI course with code THINK15 — start training your brain today! In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore one of the simplest—but most profound—thinking skills: drawing the boundary between what something is and what it is not. They unpack how this move, called Is/Is Not List, sits at the core of s…

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#93: O-Based Education: How to Build Smarter, Freer, More Adaptive Humans 33:20

1M ago33:20

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Get 15% off any systems thinking course with code ST-15 - become a professional systems thinker today: https://www.stsi.pro/category/credential In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University revisit two of their most powerful ideas about the future of education: “We teach humans, not subjects,” and “What if we taught thinking t…

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#92: Think It Through: The Feedback You Don’t Want Is the Feedback You Need 38:56

1M ago38:56

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In this Think It Through episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack one of life’s most universal challenges: how to take feedback that clashes with your self-image. What starts as a simple question—“How do I handle feedback that hurts?”—turns into a deep exploration of identity, ego, and growth. They reveal how most people u…

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#91: From Deming to Donella: Rating the Top Systems Thinking Quotes 30:09

2M ago30:09

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take a rapid-fire tour through some of the most famous systems thinking quotes from legends like Donella Meadows, Peter Senge, Russell Ackoff, W. Edwards Deming, and even the Buddha. Laura reads each quote, and Derek rates them 1–10 on validity, reliability, and usefulness—revealin…

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#90: Think it Through: Stop Arguing Perspectives, Start Solving Systems 33:44

2M ago33:44

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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…

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#89: Think It Through: Boundaries, Guilt, and Getting Your Time Back 25:57

2M ago25:57

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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…

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#88: Think It Through: Parenting, Culture, and Mental Models 38:16

3M ago38:16

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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…

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#87: Snake Oil, Swamps, and Systems Thinking 46:33

3M ago46:33

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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…

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#86: Teach Your Kids to Think: The Most Important Parenting Skill 35:03

3M ago35:03

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University answer a simple but urgent question from a parent: “Can you teach systems thinking to kids?” Spoiler: not only can you, you should—and it may be the most important thing you ever do. They break down why kids are actually better systems thinkers than adults (fewer bad habits), how t…

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#85: Love, Marriage, and Mental Models: Systems Thinking in Relationships 39:00

3M ago39:00

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How do two people work together, parent together, and live together every day without driving each other nuts? In this personal and powerful episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University share the six systems thinking principles that transformed their relationship—and how you can apply them to yours. They break down the practical tool…

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#84: Why Our Schools are Failing (And How to Fix Them with Systems Thinking) 41:48

3M ago41:48

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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 info…

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#83: The Science of Thinking Fast, Right, and On Purpose 39:02

4M ago39:02

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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. D…

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#82: Discipline, Ownership, and Doing It Right (Even When No One’s Watching) 42:28

4M ago42:28

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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 an…

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#81: Systems Thinking for Character, Capacity, and Culture 34:50

4M ago34:50

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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 …

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#80: The Culture Code Continued—Hard Truths That Build Strong People 26:03

4M ago26:03

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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,…

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#79: The Culture Code: What We Practice, Why It Works 45:09

5M ago45:09

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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; ho…

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Episode #78: Systems Thinking IRL - Parenting in a Processed World 40:55

5M ago40:55

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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 din…

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#77: Why the World Needs 8 Billion Systems Thinkers (Above the Standard) 35:52

5M ago35:52

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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 …

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#76: Why You Keep Attracting the Same People, Jobs, and Problems 22:30

5M ago22:30

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack a deceptively simple idea that has massive implications: never leave a place—only go to a place. What started as a personal insight turned into a powerful life rule that breaks the cycle of self-sabotage and repeating patterns. They explore how seeing patterns—not just event…

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#74: The 12 Gets: Simple, Scientific Rules for a Life That Works 40:57

6M ago40:57

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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 f…

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#73: Earn Your Own Trust—The Real Power of Integrity 27:43

6M ago27:43

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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 t…

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#72: How High Performers Really Manage Their Time, Energy & Minds 44:49

6M ago44:49

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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 thinki…

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#71: Think Better, Live Better—Why Systems Thinking Isn’t Just for Work 32:48

6M ago32:48

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack what they call the “arsenal”—a core set of mental moves that bridge the gap between your professional life and your personal growth. They explore how tools like the RDS Barbell, distinctions, and perspective-taking can radically improve your communication, emotional regulati…

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#69: Overthinking, Adaptability, and the Fast-and-Right Mindset 32:36

7M ago32:36

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack how systems thinking helps you handle life’s toughest changes—before they happen. They share a 4-step process for adapting in real time: build mental fitness, love reality, test your mental model, and adapt fast. You’ll learn why we mistake stress and emotion for “overthinki…

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#68: The Grammar of Reality 43:31

7M ago43:31

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore the central thesis of their paper, The Grammar of Reality: that both nature and thought are governed by the same four structural patterns—Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives (DSRP). They explain why nothing in the universe is static, why your mental model…

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#67: The Beginner’s Guide to Systems Thinking (In Under 20 Minutes) 19:34

7M ago19:34

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In this clear and beginner-friendly episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the who, what, why, where, when, and how of systems thinking. Spoiler: the “who” is everyone—because if you’re human, you live and work in systems every day. They explain what systems thinking really is (hint: it’s simpler than you think), why…

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#66: There's Nothing More Practical Than a Good Theory 37:37

7M ago37:37

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down one of the biggest misconceptions in both science and everyday life: the false divide between theory and practice. They explain what theory really means (hint: it’s not your opinion about your dog), how science differs from academia, and why a well-tested theory is the m…

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#64: Stop Taking It Personally—Why Meaning Gets Lost in Translation 36:38

7M ago36:38

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore why so many of our arguments and misunderstandings come from mismatched mental models. They break down why we react emotionally to words, why assumptions fuel conflict, and how asking simple questions like “What do you mean?” can defuse tension. You’ll also hear why blame a…

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#63: The Simple Formula Behind Every Thought 27:04

8M ago27:04

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In this eye-opening episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down their powerful formula for meaning: M = IO (meaning equals information plus organization). Using playful examples—like coffee drinks, cocktails, and skincare—they show how the same underlying structures drive innovation, communication, and even conflict. You’…

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#62: Echo Chambers, Fake News, and the Collapse of Credibility 39:43

8M ago39:43

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down how echo chambers form, why circular citation networks trick us into believing falsehoods, and how critical systems like science and media are losing public trust. They explain why truthiness matters, why science isn’t the same as academia, and how you can protect yourse…

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#61: From Outward Bound to AI—Lessons in Raising Thinkers, Not Robots 44:07

8M ago44:07

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In this powerful episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reflect on parenting through the lens of DSRP, character development, and a world reshaped by AI. They unpack the difference between giving your kids answers and teaching them to think—between raising performers and building whole humans. With stories from the mountains, t…

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#60: Beyond the Couch: DSRP Therapy for a New Mental Model 40:16

8M ago40:16

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University introduce DSRP Therapy, a systems-based approach that helps people understand, surface, and revise their mental models—at the root of emotion, behavior, and personal change. They walk through how DSRP compares to traditional therapies like CBT, and explain why getting your thoughts…

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#58: Stop Solving Problems—Start Understanding Systems 24:14

9M ago24:14

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University flip the script on one of the most accepted habits in work and life: problem-solving. They explain why jumping straight to solutions is actually a bias—one that blinds us to what’s really happening in the system. With stories, metaphors, and practical insights, they unpack how most…

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#57: Connect the Dots—Why Root Cause Thinking Isn’t Enough 29:52

9M ago29:52

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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive deep into the theme of their upcoming conference—Connect the Dots—and challenge the outdated idea of “root cause” thinking. Instead, they break down how real-world problems emerge from webs of causality, where multiple, interacting factors must be addressed simultaneously to g…

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#56: The Whole Is NOT Greater Than Its Parts (Here’s Why) 28:36

9M ago28:36

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In this special podcast-iversary episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University celebrate one year of the Cabrera Lab Podcast by taking a flamethrower to one of systems thinking’s most stubborn myths: “The whole is greater than its parts.” They dive deep into the real meaning of emergence, why complexity science is not about magic or m…

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#55: Don’t Trust, Verify—How to Separate Your Thoughts from Your Feelings 44:37

9M ago44:37

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Feeling overwhelmed? Frustrated? Like the world is just too much? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the critical difference between thinking and feeling—and why confusing the two can lead to unnecessary stress, poor decisions, and pointless arguments. They’ll teach you how to untangle your emotions from …

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#53: The Emperor Has No Clothes: Exposing the Truth About Systems Thinking 47:48

10M ago47:48

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Everyone talks about systems thinking, but does anyone actually know what it is? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive into the messy reality behind the term, exposing why so many so-called “systems thinking” frameworks lack any real scientific backing. They discuss why most frameworks are nothing more than untest…

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#52: Critical Thinking is Biased Thinking 53:50

10M ago53:50

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Critical thinking gets thrown around as the gold standard of thinking—but is it really? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down why critical thinking is actually an antiquated form of thought, useful in some situations but totally inadequate in others. Sparked by a social media post that stirred up controversy…

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#51: The #1 Indicator of Real Intelligence (It’s Not What You Expect) 31:18

10M ago31:18

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What does it really mean to be smart? Spoiler: it’s not your IQ score, your degrees, or your job title. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down the truth about intelligence—why being smart is less about what you know and more about how well you adapt to an ever-changing world. They’ll explore how true intellig…

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#50: Slapping “Systems” on It Doesn’t work—How to Think Systemically for Real 32:31

10M ago32:31

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Just because something has the word systems in it doesn’t mean it’s actually systemic thinking. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University expose how disciplines from business to biology love to throw around the term “systems” without actually applying systems thinking—and why that’s a problem. They’ll break down what real …

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#48: The Ultimate Playbook for Building a Winning Culture 43:23

10M ago43:23

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Your organization has a culture—whether you designed it or not. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down how to take control of your organizational culture using culture marketing and the culture building graph to shape a thriving, high-performance environment. Learn actionable strategies to get everyone in you…

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#47: How to Build an Adaptive Learning Organization That Thinks and Grows 36:50

11M ago36:50

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If your organization isn’t learning, it’s dying. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University explore the power of organizational learning—why it’s the backbone of a thriving culture, how to foster it, and the key litmus tests to ensure your team is actually growing, not just going through the motions. They’ll break down why …

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Episode #46: Capacity is King: Build Systems That Actually Work 39:10

11M ago39:10

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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-te…

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#45: Why Most Mission Statements Fail (And How to Do Yours Right) 40:58

11M ago40:58

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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…

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#43: Why Your Organization’s Vision Sucks (and How to Fix It) 45:09

11M ago45:09

45:09

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 …

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#42: Systems Leadership: The Secret to Thriving Organizations 41:19

12M ago41:19

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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, command…