In medieval times, archery was both art and warfare. The term Spanish Archer became synonymous with dismissal ("El Bow"), and the two-finger salute-a gesture often flaunted by archers-traced its origins back to the Hundred Years' War.
Legend has it that English longbowmen would raise their fingers to show they could still draw their bows, despite threats to maim them. These bold archers had to stick their heads above the parapet, risking becoming easy targets, simply to make their mark.
The parapet has always symbolised safety, yet progress demands peering over its edge, facing arrows from friend and foe alike. For me, sticking my head above the parapet has been both a necessity and a calling, driven by a need to chart my own path in the absence of role models during my formative years. For more than a decade, I had to find my own way-not an ideal recipe for teenage self-assurance.
If anything, I could write a handbook on what not to do, having learned lessons the hard way. By the time I finished education, I had packed my bags and fled to London. Working for the British Council, I lived in a whirlwind of global connections, expanding horizons, and cultural exchange. Yet, despite the allure of the big city, homesickness gnawed at me. I missed the North East, its warmth, its people-and above all, my mum.
When I returned, I threw myself into building my career, spending the next decade in the bubble of innovation. It was exhilarating yet insular, and I kept largely to myself. Something shifted in 2003 when I came home again, this time resigning from a national role. It wasn’t burnout or disillusionment-it was a calling to give back.
I began promoting others, dedicating my energy to causes that mattered and people who deserved the spotlight. Over the past 20 years, I’ve given away 50% of my time. Yes, you read that righthalf of my time has gone into mentoring, championing, and advocating for others. Why? Because there’s joy in seeing people succeed, especially those who might not otherwise get a chance to shine.
But here’s the rub: sticking your head above the parapet is never easy. In doing so, you make yourself visibleand visibility invites scrutiny. Some question your motives, wondering if there’s an agenda behind your actions. It’s a strange paradox, using your platform to lift others, only to have your own integrity examined under a microscope.
So, why do I persist? Why keep sticking my head above the parapet? Because I’ve learned that progress doesn’t come from hiding behind walls. Change, innovation, and inclusion all require courage-not just for ourselves, but to inspire others to step up too.
The moral of the story? The arrows may fly, but the view from above the parapet is worth it. Whether you’re a medieval archer or a modern-day advocate, true impact lies in daring to be seen, risking vulnerability to build a legacy that lifts others over the wall. Keep looking upyour courage just might be the catalyst someone else needs.
Ammar Mirza CBE is Chair & Founder of Asian Business Connexions, Executive Chair of the AmmarM Group, Honorary Colonel of 101 Regiment RA and holds various positions across the public and private sectors with a deep interest in Inclusion, Innovation and Internationalisation.