At Pegasus, we believe the strength of our organization comes from the people behind the work. In our “Meet the Team” series, we sit down with team members to learn more about who they are beyond the job title. This episode features Kaia Herzog, Project Coordinator in our Professional Services team. In this conversation with Matthew Tucker, Kaia shares a bit about her background, travels, and even a memorable moment from field day.
Watch or read the conversation below to get to know Kaia — and learn which coworker she thinks could survive a deserted island!
Matthew Tucker: Hi everyone and welcome to another episode of Meet the Team. Today we have Kaia. How are you doing, Kaia?
Kaia Herzog: I’m doing great, thanks, Matt!
Matthew: Awesome. So Kaia, you’ve been with us for six months now, and you’re on the Project team in Professional Services. Why don’t you just take a minute and tell everybody a little bit about yourself?
Kaia: Absolutely. So I’m Kaia Herzog. I am the Project Coordinator here at Pegasus, and my background is in event planning and communication media. I love to read and I love to travel. Matt and I have talked quite a lot about cooking as well, and I’m learning some new recipes from my time abroad. I’m really enjoying that lately — so that’s a little about me!
Matthew: Awesome, excellent. Well, there’s usually a food question or two that seem to find their way into the questions, but as always, I have not read these questions yet. They’ve been submitted by your peers here at Pegasus — so you cannot blame me, you cannot hold me accountable. We’re going to work through them. Are you ready?
Kaia: Yes, I am.
Matthew: All right, we’ll go with the first one. If you had to describe yourself using only three emojis, which ones would you pick?
Kaia: I would say I like the sunshine emoji — I use that one a lot and usually start my morning with it. Maybe a tea emoji — is that a thing? Like a cup of tea?
Matthew: Like a teapot?
Kaia: I think there probably is one. And I’d say a wave — I like water, being by the beach. I spend a lot of time in Cape May, so that’s one for sure.
Matthew: All right, so to repeat: we’ve got sunshine, a cup of tea, and the ocean. Good. Next one: if you had a time machine, would you visit the past or the future — and if so, how far back or how far forward?
Kaia: The past. It could be cool to see the 70s.
Matthew: 70s? That’s not that far back! I was born in the 70s — I’ve seen them!
Kaia: Sorry! We can talk about it later.
Matthew: Deal. What’s the most interesting documentary or book you’ve ever watched or read?
Kaia: Good question — I like this one. I took a documentary class in college, and we watched the Seven Up Series. It’s a sociology experiment where they filmed these kids every seven years starting from age seven until later in life. It’s really interesting to see how they progress.
Matthew: Somebody must have known you on that question. All right, next one: where did you meet your best friend?
Kaia: When we moved to Phoenixville when I was three, my mom got really close with a neighborhood friend and her daughter became my best friend. We grew up together, and I’m still in touch with her. I’m actually seeing her on Friday.
Matthew: So friends for… what, 24 years? Two or three?
Kaia: Just about.
Matthew: Not the 70s though.
Kaia: No.
Matthew: I don’t want to know. No more questions about age. What is your favorite hobby, and how did you get into it?
Kaia: Oh good one. I love arranging glass and doing glass fusing. Have you heard of Bizzy Bees Pottery?
Matthew: Is that in West Chester?
Kaia: They used to have one in Frazer. Now they have one near Philly. It’s a small pottery chain around here. They offered it when I was growing up. My dad was an artist, so he’d take me to do all kinds of crafts. It’s still one of my favorite things — using glass, heating it and making stuff.
Matthew: You don’t do the actual heating though?
Kaia: No, just the arranging.
Matthew: I’ve seen glass blowing in person. It’s amazing — but way too hot for me.
Kaia: Yes.
Matthew: What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?
Kaia: I was in Tokyo this time last year. That was pretty interesting — very different culture. I found some of my favorite foods there too.
Matthew: I agree with that. Any specific place in Tokyo that stood out?
Kaia: Not specifically in Tokyo, but a lot of beach towns outside of Yokohama were beautiful. I met some of the coolest people down there. Mount Fuji on the beach was perfect.
Matthew: That leads us to: what’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Kaia: Soba noodles in Okinawa.
Matthew: I figured it would be something from Japan. All right — this is a longer one. I noticed on your photo on the office website, you’re fond of international travel. What’s a place you haven’t been to but plan on going to?
Kaia: That’s easy — Paris. I’ve never been, but I’ve been wanting to go for a long time.
Matthew: All over Japan, but not Paris?
Kaia: Exactly.
Matthew: When you’re ready, I’ll share my recommendations. I’ve got some great places outside of Paris that are worth visiting too. All right, two left. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment in front of a large group?
Kaia: Nothing comes to mind—wait, actually, yes. I tripped over a hula hoop on field day and got a concussion. That counts, right?
Matthew: That definitely counts. Not just a stumble — a concussion. Got it. Last one: who is the most likely coworker to escape a deserted island alive?
Kaia: I would say Mindy is pretty resourceful.
Matthew: Mindy’s the winner! She’s surviving the island. Well, Kaia, thanks so much for joining us. You’ve been a great sport — we love having you here. I look forward to hearing your stories after you finally make it to Paris. Thanks everyone for watching.
Kaia: Thanks, Matt!
