Beyond Orders
Beyond Orders is a podcast hosted by Michelle Penczak, founder of Squared Away and military spouse on a mission to break the mold. This show shines a spotlight on military spouses who are challenging expectations, creating opportunity, and stepping far outside the traditional narrative. Through honest conversations and bold stories, Michelle sits down with spouses who have built businesses, forged new careers, and found purpose beyond the PCS cycle. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and rewriting the rules...on your own terms. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, solidarity, or that extra nudge to think bigger, Beyond Orders is your reminder that while orders may move us, they don’t define us. Because military life may be unpredictable, but your potential doesn’t have to be.
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Episodes
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
In this episode of Beyond Orders, host Michelle Penczak speaks with Rachel Hornbeck, the Director of Talent and Development at Squared Away, about her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to a leadership role within the company. They discuss the supportive culture at Squared Away, the challenges of imposter syndrome, the importance of community, and the personal stories of adoption that have shaped their lives. Rachel shares her insights on leadership, accountability, and the hiring process, culminating in a reflection on the theme of reinvention and personal growth.
Real leadership starts when we stop waiting for permission to grow.
The culture at Squared Away empowers individuals to thrive.
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for many leaders.
Supportive communities can foster personal and professional growth.
Heart and caring mentality are essential in leadership roles.
Being open to feedback is crucial for success.
Accountability is key to building trust within teams.
The hiring process at Squared Away is thorough and thoughtful.
Personal stories of adoption can create deep connections.
Reinvention involves being brave enough to outgrow comfort zones.
Saturday Jun 21, 2025
Saturday Jun 21, 2025
In the inaugural episode of Beyond Orders, host Michelle Penczak sits down with Jordan Streetman Cole, Chief Experience Officer at Squared Away, for a powerful conversation about the realities of military spouse life and the unexpected opportunities that can come from uncertainty.
Together, they unpack Jordan’s journey from applying to Squared Away out of sheer desperation to growing into a key leadership role within the company. Along the way, they explore themes of reinvention, resilience, and the deep need for stability in a life shaped by constant change.
This episode dives into the unique strengths military spouses bring to the workforce, the transformative power of meaningful assistant-client partnerships, and why building community and trust is at the heart of it all. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, PCS chaos, or simply looking for a story that reminds you you’re not alone, this one’s for you.
Because while military orders may move us, they don’t have to define us.
Jordan's book reference - Time, Talent, Energy
The podcast aims to empower military spouses to rewrite the rules of their careers.
Desperation often drives military spouses to seek new opportunities.
Stability in employment is crucial for military spouses facing frequent relocations.
Resiliency is a key trait of the Squared Away team.
Building a community among military spouses enhances support and connection.
Successful client-assistant matches require time and investment in understanding each other.
Celebrating wins, both big and small, is essential for motivation.
Reframing opportunities for military spouses can change perceptions in the workforce.
Reinvention is about honoring one's potential and evolving into the best version of oneself.
Leadership is about empowering others and leading by example.