Matthew Clarke heads up Secret Sunrise in Cape Town. He gave us a sneak peek into his job so we could learn more about his career.

Matthew Clarke is a facilitator of change who heads up Secret Sunrise in Cape Town. He gave us a sneak peek into his job, so we could learn more about his career.

Matthew was an actor for 8 years before he headed up Secret Sunrise – a movement created as a platform for self-expression, connection, healing and growth. “Although acting was great, it never gave me the fulfillment I desired,” he explains. “I wanted to have that feeling of waking up in the morning and just being super excited for the day.”

Following this realisation, Matthew reached out to his friends who run No Danger Diaries – a social enterprise aimed at effecting change by having fun. “No Danger Diaries’ mantra is: Share the Joy,” Matthew claims. He adds that it is this concept that motivated him to join his friends who became his colleagues. “I was inspired by the incredible work that they do in Cape Town, and I knew I wanted to be part of that work.”

Matthew says one thing led to the other, and he now runs Secret Sunrise.

 “It’s a space for bringing out the best in communities, Matthew explains. It’s been two years since Matthew joined Secret Sunrise, and he states that he is still passionately involved in the movement. “I can honestly say that I wake up each day super amped and absolutely loving what I do.”

When it comes to his daily responsibilities, Matthew says that no two days are the same.

“It’s the beauty of it!

“One day I’m out and about interacting with people, sharing the vision of Secret Sunrise and spreading the word. The next day I’m sitting and planning upcoming events for the month ahead and working on the business model which needs constant change due to the world that is always shifting.

“Overall, my days entail a lot of love and joy,” explains Matthew. “When you love what you do it is not work.”

Matthew says there are many things that he loves about his job. However, what stands out and resonates with him the most is seeing the effect that the work he does has on the people around him. “It’s magical to be able to look into someone’s eyes after a Secret Sunrise, and to truly see that they have been moved and motivated to share love and joy, and to action change in the world they live in.

“Music and dance is a powerful tool for healing, and if I can just have an inkling to empower someone to start making a difference on this planet, then that is what brings me true happiness,” Matthew explains. 

Matthew’s advice to those who would like to follow in his footsteps is: “If you are open to being part of the change in the world through various conscious disciplines, then all you need is love, joy, some crazy dance moves and an inherent ability to lead by following.”

If you’d like to be featured in this Instagram series, send a mail to editor@careers24.com, telling us about yourself and your awesome job, and we’ll be in touch!