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

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.

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 to teach the Six Moves in everyday life (with groceries, frogs, or even sugar packets), and why teaching the structure of thought—not just information—is the holy grail of learning.You’ll also learn about the four kinds of transfer (the secret to real understanding), how to use verbal, visual, and tactile tools to teach any age, and why systems thinking skills are a child’s best defense against misinformation, manipulation, and the modern world.Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about the next generation—this episode will show you how to start early, think clearly, and raise resilient thinkers.

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 tools that help them avoid blame, navigate patterns, embrace honesty, and understand each other better using DSRP and the Love-Reality Loop.Whether you're in a marriage, parenting teens, or just want deeper connections in your life, this episode gives you real-world insights, tools, and hope. Because relationships aren’t supposed to be hard—they’re just supposed to be systems.

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.

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.