Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaleb Knight. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kaleb, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. – Seneca
We may not always control the opportunities that come our way, but we do have control over how prepared we are to encounter serendipity. In late 2023, when freelance work for me nearly ground to a halt, I decided to pick up a part-time position at the local library. I had spent most of my unemployed days there, locked in a study room, figuring out my next creative (and financial) move. Eventually, I was hired and found myself working as a librarian—something I definitely didn’t have on my bingo card for that year. Regardless, as with everything I do, I put my best foot forward, even though it was only “temporary” until freelance work picked back up.
One day, I spoke with a coworker about the library’s YouTube channel, which was neglected, to say the least. That conversation got the gears turning. I pitched the library director on creating a tour guide video to revamp the channel. She loved the idea, and once she gave the green light, I quickly got to work planning, shooting, and editing the best tour guide video I could deliver. Most of the work was done off the clock, using my personal film equipment. I underestimated how much it would pay off.
After submitting the final video, it was not only met with praise from the director and staff but also received recognition from the county’s library board. I found myself building creative momentum unexpectedly. However, I realized I could intentionally leverage this momentum. The gears started turning again. This time, I presented the director with a new idea: creating a video manager position at the library. Armed with a detailed, research-backed proposal and my sample work—including the tour video—I was eventually promoted to a full-time role where I now produce video content for the organization.
I have always believed I had a strong work ethic, but that experience made me realize the power of strategically compounding my efforts and positioning myself to seize opportunities when they arise. While I couldn’t control the freelance market or the circumstances that caused my initial “detour,” I could control my attitude and approach to making the best of the situation.
That experience solidified my vision of pursuing creative entrepreneurship through videography and collaborating with nonprofits. In the meantime, I will continue preparing for the next opportunity to arise.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Through my production company, Catalyzer Studios, I create impactful video content that helps businesses and nonprofits raise awareness and gather support for their missions. I currently work as a videographer for a nonprofit while creating content focused on filmmaking, writing, productivity, and creative entrepreneurship. I believe that stories, and how we tell them, are the catalyst that drive creativity and leads to the path of purpose, profit and progress.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three ever-evolving skills that have significantly impacted my journey are leadership (the desire for progress), curiosity ( the desire to learn), and initiative (the desire to take action). I believe these qualities are best cultivated by taking on more responsibility, whether through a role or a project. Skills don’t thrive in isolation—they must be developed through a process of trial and error. It’s not easy at first. Sometimes, you’ll fail. Sometimes, you’ll feel embarrassed. But you learn from these moments and continue to push forward until you start seeing results and building confidence.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One of the most important books I’ve read for my personal development is *The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People* by Stephen Covey. This book gave me a new perspective on what it means to be productive in both my personal and professional life. The most impactful lesson for me was Habit 3: “Put First Things First.”
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to live in a constant state of urgency— from putting out fires to responding to every text, email, or missed call (or at least trying to). However, it’s essential to shift focus to the events and activities that may not be urgent but are truly important: developing and maintaining relationships, prioritizing health and fitness, vision planning, and being proactive rather than reactive, to name a few.
When I plan my days around what the book calls “Quadrant 2” activities, I accomplish more fulfilling work and feel less overwhelmed. The idea of productivity is not to be busy, but to be effective – especially for what matters most.
As to quote the author: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kalebknight.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalebknight.ig/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalebknight/
- Other: www.catalyzerstudios.com
Image Credits
Taylor Kennedy (for the black & white photos)
