Although she refers to herself as a work in progress, many look at Oklahoma Pork Council Executive Director Kylee Deniz as one of the greatest examples of innovation, creativity and leadership in the pork industry. Deniz joined host Jennifer Shike on The PORK Podcast for a special Black Friday episode covering a variety of topics from protecting farmers’ freedom to operate to reminiscing on her livestock judging experiences and balancing motherhood with a demanding career. Of course, she also unveils a few shopping tips and gift ideas pork enthusiasts will love.
“I think we all are a work in progress,” Deniz says. “When I think about success for me, it’s prioritizing my faith, my marriage and my family, before my work and my giving. I won’t get it right always, and I probably don’t get it right the majority of the time, but those are the five things that are important to me in life.”
She’s a huge believer in the value of teamwork. Her team starts at home with her husband, Mike, and their two boys Drake and Denton. Although she and her husband share different personality types and passions, they share the same values that connect them closely on the things most important in their lives, Deniz explains.
Her focus on teamwork translates into how she leads the Oklahoma Pork Council every day.
“Kylee brings a team approach to every project she tackles. She is always inclusive and thinks outside of the box,” points out Blayne Arthur, secretary of agriculture for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. “She brings positive energy to all those she interacts with, and she is intentional and sincere in all that she does.”
Deniz says Sec. Arthur has been a mentor of hers for years, as well as her entire team. Not only has she served as a role model, but she also sets the tone for teamwork by the way she leads.
“These jobs require a lot in terms of being away from home or out of the office attending events,” Deniz explains. “Sec. Arthur has demonstrated how you do that well – how you can have both. You can have a wonderful family life and you can have a job that is fulfilling and fun while you’re making a difference.”
Building Trust
For Deniz, who was just named the 2024 Oklahoma Agriculture Woman of the Year, this deep appreciation and passion for teamwork was ignited years ago while competing in collegiate livestock judging contests at Black Hawk College East Campus and Oklahoma State University.
“I am not super tall, and while I tried my hand at sports, it was clear I wasn’t athletic. I found a way to use my mind and my passions to do livestock judging and be a part of a team,” she says. “It really showed me what it can look like to be a part of a successful team, but just as importantly to be a part of a team that’s high functioning and trusts each other.”
She carries these ideals today as she strives to be a voice and an advocate for Oklahoma pig farmers.
“I often say we go to war for one another at the Oklahoma Pork Council,” Deniz says. “I genuinely want people to excel and succeed – I think that is what teamwork is. Our team at Oklahoma Pork focuses on doing life together. I can’t imagine a life where you’re doing things solo.”
Being in a community where you can trust people and where people exhibit character, consistency and competency is so important.
“I work hard on building trust, that’s just who I am. I think it’s probably the agriculture mindset, the agriculture way of life. It’s definitely my foundation and what I learned from my parents and my grandparents,” Deniz explains. “I love team. I am team everything.”
Go watch episode 7 of The PORK Podcast here or download it anywhere podcasts are found.
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