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Welcome back to WIRED: Stories of Impactful Women, the podcast where we spotlight bold, brilliant women redefining business, leadership, and the world of real estate. In today’s episode, hosts Heather Luce and Kimberly Downs invite Melissa Martin, president and owner of Kansas City Realty, to the mic for an inspiring and candid conversation.

Melissa opens up about her unconventional journey from social work to real estate, the personal fears she overcame to step fully into leadership, and how she’s working to build an agency—and a community—where women and independent voices thrive. From lessons in authentic leadership and supporting local businesses, to advice on building up confidence in the next generation, Melissa shares her experience creating a collaborative, women-led company culture that goes far beyond just buying and selling property.

Whether you’re growing a career, building a business, or looking for real-world inspiration, this episode offers connection, mentorship, and the reminder that yes, we all have the power to “do it ourselves.” Plus, you’ll hear how groups like WIRED are bringing women together to invest, rise, and celebrate each others’ wins—one honest conversation at a time.

So pour a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive in!

Have episode suggestions or questions for us? Email us at WIREDPODKC@GMAIL.COM.

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Welcome to the relaunch of the WIRED podcast— Stories of Impactful Women. A dynamic space where bold, brilliant women come together to shape the future of business, commercial real estate, leadership, and beyond. Hosted by Heather Luce and Kimberly Downs, this podcast is all about honest, empowering conversations that go way beyond buildings.

In this inspiring premiere, Heather and Kim introduce themselves—not just as leaders in Kansas City real estate and mortgage, but as lifelong learners, business owners, team builders, and passionate advocates for women’s empowerment. They dive into their journeys from residential real estate and mortgages to commercial ownership and business coaching, sharing lessons learned about leadership, self-care, personal growth, and the power of mentorship.

Discover how authentic connections and a community like WIRED have transformed their careers, given them the courage to pursue new goals, and become a launching pad for women eager to learn, share, and own their role in business and real estate. Whether you’re building a business, growing in your career, or seeking a supportive network, you’ll find connection, mentorship, and real-world wisdom in every episode.

Tune in every other Wednesday for stories, insights, and unfiltered truths from women of influence, innovators, and changemakers. This is the podcast where women uplift women—and where anything is possible when you find your tribe. Join us as we launch the WIRED Podcast and begin a new chapter of women empowering women.

Have episode suggestions or questions for us? Email us at WIREDPODKC@GMAIL.COM.

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Join us for a very special episode, as Heather Luce and Nooshin Shahlari chat with Diane Botwin, founder of Botwin Commercial Development. For 36 years, Diane has been a key player in Kansas City's commercial real estate scene, transforming neighborhoods through small-scale, mixed-use developments. She founded Botwin Commercial Development in 1986 with her parents, starting as a property management company and evolving into a family-run business that now handles development and leasing. We will discuss the recent WIRED KC development and investment led by Diane Botwin!

Diane shares her passion for creativity, discussing how she integrates the arts into her projects by collaborating with local artists for installations and exhibitions. Her mission is to provide neighborhood-sensitive commercial developments while mentoring small businesses and entrepreneurs along the way.

In addition to her real estate work, Diane is a strong advocate for the arts, affordable housing, and immigration. She has helped found organizations like reStart, regularly teaches citizenship classes, and volunteers at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Diane has also served on numerous nonprofit boards, making a lasting impact in her community.

Want to connect with Diane? Reach her at Botwin Commercial Development:
Email: dbotwin@botwinrealestate.com
Phone: 816-444-4414 ext. 1#

Subscribe now to hear about her journey, creative approach, and the role of women in real estate. For episode ideas or questions, email us at wiredkcpodcast@gmail.com.