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In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University break down one of the simplest and most powerful systems thinking tools: the Is/Is Not List.

They explain why this move is not just about making a list, but about building a strong distinction—one that clarifies what something fundamentally is, what it is not, and where the boundary really belongs. From leadership and management to safety, AI, systems thinking, and even the classic “is a hot dog a sandwich?” debate, they show how unclear distinctions create confusion, misalignment, and downstream problems.

The conversation also explores the difference between an Is/Is Not List and a Zoom In, how to test a distinction using the “always/never” rule, and why shared definitions are essential for teams, organizations, and everyday life.

If you want to think more clearly, communicate more precisely, and prevent costly misunderstandings before they happen, this episode gives you a practical tool for doing exactly that.