Meet Tom Knight

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tom Knight. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tom below.

Tom, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Confidence and self-esteem aren’t things I was born with—they were forged through years of experience, self-discovery, and overcoming challenges in both my professional and personal life.

As a drummer, I’ve had the honor of playing with legendary artists like TLC, Monica, and Stevie Nicks. But early in my career, stepping onto big stages wasn’t always easy. The pressure to deliver at the highest level—where there’s no room for error—was intimidating. There were moments of self-doubt, but I learned that preparation is the antidote to fear. Every hour I put into my craft, every rehearsal, and every time I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone added another layer to my confidence. I learned that true self-assurance doesn’t come from being perfect—it comes from knowing you’ve done the work and trusting yourself in the moment.

That same mindset carried over when I transitioned into voice acting. Walking into studios where I was suddenly the “new guy” in a completely different industry forced me to build my confidence all over again. But just like with drumming, I embraced the process—studying, practicing, and putting myself in situations where I had to perform under pressure. Winning an Emmy for my voice work wasn’t just an achievement; it was validation that confidence isn’t about having all the answers from the start. It’s about believing in your ability to grow, adapt, and rise to the occasion.

Beyond my career, life has tested my confidence in ways I never expected. Going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage, starting over at 56, and navigating a major life transition could have shattered my self-esteem. But I’ve learned that confidence isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. It’s built through resilience, through the decision to keep showing up for yourself even when things are tough.

Today, whether I’m coaching someone on their fitness journey, teaching a drum student, or lending my voice to a global brand, my confidence comes from the understanding that every challenge I’ve faced has prepared me for the next step. If there’s one thing I’d tell anyone struggling with self-doubt, it’s this: You don’t have to feel confident to start—you just have to start, and confidence will follow. There’s an old adage I learned in acting class: “motion creates emotion” (sometimes referred to as “outside-in”) and it basically says that when you begin to physically act in a certain manner, the requisite emotions will appear. In other words, don’t wait until you feel like it—do it now, and the feeling soon arrives while doubts disappear.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My Journey: From Drummer to Voice Actor to Fitness Coach

My professional journey has taken me across multiple industries, but at the heart of everything I do is a deep passion for creativity, self-improvement, and inspiring others to unlock their full potential.

As a multi-platinum drummer, I’ve had the privilege of touring and recording with some of the biggest names in music. Drumming has been a defining force in my life, teaching me discipline, resilience, and the power of collaboration. But beyond just playing (and teaching) drums, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling—whether through rhythm, voice, or visual art. These are all forms of artistic creation which, more than anything, I believe I was born to do.

That passion led me into the world of voice acting, where I’ve been fortunate enough to work with global brands like Disney, BMW, Honda, Walmart, and so many brands I grew up with! Winning an Emmy for my voice work was an incredible milestone, but what excites me most about this field is the ability to bring messages to life in ways that resonate with people on an emotional level—much like music. Whether it’s a commercial, a documentary, or a brand campaign, I love helping businesses and creatives tell their stories with authenticity and impact.

In recent years, another part of my life’s story has come into focus: health and fitness. After spending decades immersed in high-pressure industries, I realized how vital physical health is—not just for performance, but for confidence, energy, and longevity. I’ve been actively involved in fitness since by pre-teen years when I began my studies in Tae Kwon Do, and since then, I’ve engaged in many other efforts like running, weightlifting, and most recently—gymnastics. I decided to make it official by getting certified twice by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). As an NASM-certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, I’ve dedicated myself to helping people, particularly those over 40, rediscover their strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Through my coaching and online content, I’m showing people that no matter their age, they can achieve their best physical and mental selves.

What’s Next?

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my fitness coaching business to reach more people who want to transform their lives. I’m developing a structured, self-paced fitness program designed specifically for individuals over 40, blending science-backed nutrition and strength training with mindset coaching to create lasting change.

Additionally, I continue to take on new drumming projects in music, voice acting, and multimedia production through my company, Knightyme Studios. I’m also bringing back private lessons to my musical calendar; I really miss teaching—especially one on one, whether in person or online.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to inspire, create, and help people become the best versions of themselves. Whether it’s through a drum groove, a voiceover performance, or a transformational fitness journey, I believe we all have untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. Sometimes, we just need reassurance or a gentle nudge in the right direction.

I’d love to connect with anyone looking for inspiration—whether they’re musicians, creatives, or people looking to reclaim their health. No matter where you are in your journey, you’re capable of more than you think. Let’s make it happen!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The Three Most Impactful Qualities in My Journey

Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental (no pun intended 😉 in shaping my journey across music, voice acting, fitness, and business: Resilience, Adaptability, and Relentless Work Ethic.

1. Resilience – Learning to Keep Going No Matter What

No career path is without its challenges. As a drummer, I’ve faced intense competition, setbacks, and moments where self-doubt crept in. In voice acting, I had to start from the ground up, knowing nearly nothing, in an industry where rejection is part of the process. And in fitness coaching, building a brand (and a physique) takes time and patience. I’m still working on it all, too. One of the biggest secrets, despite how obvious it may seem, is to never quit. If you truly believe you are meant for something, stop at nothing to attain it.

Advice for those just starting out: You will face obstacles. You will hear “no” more times than you can count. But resilience is about staying the course, pushing forward, and refusing to let setbacks define your potential. The key is to see every challenge as part of the process—just another rep in the gym, another take in the studio, another step closer to mastery.

2. Adaptability – The Ability to Pivot and Keep Learning

The world is constantly changing, and so are industries. The music business isn’t the same as it was when I started (not even close, actually), and neither is the voiceover industry. Even in fitness, science and methods evolve. If I had been unwilling to adapt, I would have been left behind. Instead, I embraced change, learned new skills, and found ways to reinvent myself while staying true to my passions. This process never ends. We must embrace continual change.

Advice for beginners: Never stop learning. Ever. Stay curious and open-minded. Whether it’s technology, industry trends, or personal growth, being adaptable will keep you relevant and ahead of the curve. If you’re just starting out, surround yourself with mentors, seek out education, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you’re willing to evolve. Don’t be afraid to reach out those who are where you want to be. I did. Hitting up industry titans allowed me to forge lifelong friendships with some of the very best in the business, like Dave Weckl and Don LaFontaine (RIP).

3. Relentless Work Ethic – Outworking the Competition

Talent is great, but talent without work ethic won’t get you far. I’ve always believed that success is built on doing the work when no one is watching. Whether it was hours of drumming practice, refining my voiceover craft, or putting in the effort to build my fitness coaching business, the common denominator was consistency. (Never quit, remember?)

Advice for beginners: No matter what field you’re in, there is no substitute for hard work. Show up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. (ESPECIALLY when you don’t feel like it 🙂 Put in the reps, try to improve daily—even if it’s just by 1%, and commit to the long game. The people who succeed aren’t always the most talented; they are the ones who refuse to quit. Oh, and be the kind of person who is easy to work with. I’ve seen talented individuals who showed up with the right work ethic get fired for having the wrong attitude.

Final Thoughts
Success isn’t a straight line. I wish it was, but it isn’t. It’s a winding road filled with detours, roadblocks, and unexpected turns. But if you develop resilience, stay adaptable, and put in the work, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. No matter where you’re starting from, trust yourself, embrace the process, and keep going, because you’re capable of more than you know. (And if you’re anything like me—an over-thinker—here’s a concept that always helps me: Imagine driving at night. Your headlights cannot illuminate the entire path; however, seeing the upcoming 200 feet or so is really all you need to keep moving and stay the course. Don’t quit. You’ll eventually reach your destination.)

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 impactful books I ever read was “The Inner Game of Music” by Timothy Gallwey and Barry Green. This book fundamentally shifted how I approach not just music, but confidence, performance, and personal development as a whole.

At its core, The Inner Game of Music explores the mental battles we all face—the self-doubt, the overthinking, the pressure we put on ourselves to perform at the highest level. It introduced me to the concept that our biggest obstacles are often internal, not external. Here are a few of the most valuable lessons I took from it:

1. The Power of Quieting the Inner Critic
The book introduces the idea of Self 1 (the judgmental, overanalyzing voice in our head, which is definitely an issue for me) and Self 2 (the part of us that instinctively knows how to perform when we get out of our own way). One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning to trust my abilities and silence the negative chatter that often held me back. Instead of trying to force perfection, I learned that the best performances—whether in drumming, voice acting, or even fitness—happen when you let go and allow yourself to be in the moment.

2. Shifting from Judgment to Awareness
Rather than constantly criticizing mistakes, the book encourages a mindset of nonjudgmental awareness—observing what’s happening without attaching emotion to it, very much like meditation. This was a game-changer for me, especially in high-pressure situations. Instead of beating myself up for missing a beat, flubbing a line in voiceover, or struggling with a fitness move, I learned to simply observe, adjust, and improve. Growth comes not from self-criticism, but from mindful, intentional practice.

3. Learning to Trust the Process
The book reinforced the idea that confidence doesn’t come from control—it comes from trusting the work you’ve put in. Whether on stage, behind the mic, or coaching clients, I’ve learned that preparation is key, but overthinking kills flow. I believe that true mastery comes from repetition, patience, and allowing yourself to perform freely rather than forcing outcomes.

The Inner Game of Music is more than just a book about music—it’s a book about how to get out of your own way and let your true potential shine no matter the discipline (which is why there are so many “Inner Game:” books written!) I’ve applied its lessons not only in drumming but in voice acting, fitness, and even personal challenges. Whether you’re a musician, an athlete, or anyone trying to push past self-imposed limitations, this book is a must-read. The inner game is everything—master that, and everything else falls into place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tomleighknight.com
• Instagram: tomleighknight
• Facebook: tomleighknight
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomleighknight/
• Youtube: tomknightdrums

Image Credits

I took all these photos myself in my studio using an old Canon 7D and a timer.