I was proudly born on the banks of the Tyne - a Geordie through and through.
The streets of the West and East End raised me, its people shaped me, and the rhythm of the North East runs through my veins. But for most of my life, despite my birthplace, despite my accent, despite my unwavering pride in this region – I’ve often felt like an alien. A legal alien. An Englishman in
Engaarland.
You see, being first often comes with the irony of feeling last.
I did what many restless young professionals do – I escaped to London. I spent time working for the British Council, surrounded by global cultures and curious minds. But nothing – and I mean nothing – could replace the feeling of home. I missed my mother, I missed our corner shops and cornerstones, I missed the warmth of our communities and the cold North Sea breeze. So, I returned. And since then, I’ve dedicated over three decades to making the North East the best it can be – socially, economically and spiritually.
Yet, returning didn’t mean arriving.
Time and again, I’ve had to work twice, sometimes three times as hard to earn the same seat at the table. Imposter syndrome? It’s more like imposter survival mode. Not because I doubted myself – but because others did. Because of the colour of my skin, the faith I quietly practised, the unfamiliar name on the name badge. There were always blockers. Inward racism – the silent assumptions, the awkward silences, the unconscious bias. And outward racism – the louder, uglier words, the outright rejections.
But here’s the twist: I never gave in.
Through patience, positivity, and perseverance – and with the support of some truly brilliant people – I carved a path. Not just for me, but for others.
For those who looked like me. For those who didn’t, but felt like me.
I became one of the first British-born Asian school governors in the region – then the youngest chair of a primary school in Newcastle. I was appointed the first ethnic minority and youngest ever Professor of Practice in Innovation and Enterprise at Newcastle University Business School. I became the youngest British-born Asian to be awarded a CBE in the North East. And the first non-military ethnic Honorary Colonel of a Royal Artillery Reserve Regiment.
Not titles for ego. But milestones for impact.
Each ‘first’ came with responsibility – to be visible so others didn’t feel invisible. To climb the freestanding ladder that stood isolated in the corner of the room – and to reach back down, pulling others up with me. Many of those I’ve mentored have long since overtaken me – and that’s the point.
That’s the goal.
I’ve given away at least 50% of my life to the service of others. Building social enterprises. Championing inclusion. Challenging injustice. Creating platforms that others could stand on, even if I was still fighting to stay balanced.
It’s not been easy. But it’s been worth it.
Because I love my region. I believe in its people. And I will never stop fighting to make it more open, more inclusive, more representative of the greatness it holds.
Yes, I’m an alien. A legal alien.
But I’m also a Geordie. A dad. A changemaker. A connector. A son of this soil.
And if being first means others feel like they can finally belong – then I’ll keep being first. Until being “different” no longer feels alien at all.
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.