EPISODE · Dec 21, 2025 · 1H 13M
#147 Benny Higgins: Ex-Bank CEO on Success, Money, Art & What Really Matters
from Origin Story with David McIntosh Jr · host David McIntosh Jr
Benny Higgins is a Scottish Banker and Former CEO of RBS, Bank of Scotland and Tesco Bank. He is also the chairman of a portfolio of companies. He's a lover of Art and Poetry. He is also my good friend.Benny Higgins grew up in Toryglen tower blocks, captained Celtic’s youth team, and became a defining force in modern Scottish business — from CEO of RBS during the NatWest takeover, to building Tesco Bank from the ground up. But what makes Benny different is the paradox: a numbers man with a lifelong devotion to poetry, art, and culture — and a Glaswegian accent that never moved an inch.We recorded this in Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a place that shaped Benny as a 10-year-old at his first ever art competition — and still represents the thread running through his life: curiosity, pride, and the desire to win.We get into Celtic, class, and leadership… the reality of boardrooms at scale… why he hires through trust over “perfect CVs”… and the stories you genuinely couldn’t script: Maya Angelou, the Golden Globes, Soho, and a cocktail named after his fifth wife Sharon.Why Kelvingrove is symbolic to Benny’s origin storyToryglen tower blocks: toughness, community, and confidence through footballCeltic youth captaincy and the first leadership lessons that stuck“I just wanted to win”: the mindset behind academic dominanceActuarial exams in 2.5 years (when the average was ~7)RBS context + how the NatWest hostile takeover happenedBuilding Tesco Bank from scratch: 140 people → 5,000 → 8m customersHiring “the best people I knew” and why trust beats processSocial mobility: money, identity, and why he treats everyone the sameSoho stories: tailors, members clubs, and the “Higgins No.5” cocktailThe Golden Globes: Jon Hamm photo… taken by Bradley CooperLunch with Maya Angelou: poetry, Burns, and an unforgettable momentWhat people think is true about him (but isn’t)What’s next — and the ambition that still drives himGuestBenny Higgins — former senior leader at RBS, creator of Tesco Bank, chair/board roles across culture and business.Subscribe on YouTube + hit the bellFollow the podcast on Spotify/Apple: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DV9tUfz5nGCmH0bfZUFrMJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/davidmcintoshjrFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/If you enjoyed this give me a follow:Sponsor — Slater Menswear (Made To Order)Quick shoutout to Slater Menswear’s Made To Order service — they’ve been part of some of the biggest moments in my own origin story: first job interview suit, first corporate role, big talks, and now sitting across from guests I genuinely admire. They measure you properly, you choose every detail, and you get a suit that actually feels like it fits the life you’re stepping into.If you’ve got a moment coming up — wedding, promotion, graduation, or a first interview — check out Slaters Made To Order. It’s a belter.
What this episode covers
Benny Higgins is a Scottish Banker and Former CEO of RBS, Bank of Scotland and Tesco Bank. He is also the chairman of a portfolio of companies. He's a lover of Art and Poetry. He is also my good friend.Benny Higgins grew up in Toryglen tower blocks, captained Celtic’s youth team, and became a defining force in modern Scottish business — from CEO of RBS during the NatWest takeover, to building Tesco Bank from the ground up. But what makes Benny different is the paradox: a numbers man with a lifelong devotion to poetry, art, and culture — and a Glaswegian accent that never moved an inch.We recorded this in Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a place that shaped Benny as a 10-year-old at his first ever art competition — and still represents the thread running through his life: curiosity, pride, and the desire to win.We get into Celtic, class, and leadership… the reality of boardrooms at scale… why he hires through trust over “perfect CVs”… and the stories you genuinely couldn’t script: Maya Angelou, the Golden Globes, Soho, and a cocktail named after his fifth wife Sharon.Why Kelvingrove is symbolic to Benny’s origin storyToryglen tower blocks: toughness, community, and confidence through footballCeltic youth captaincy and the first leadership lessons that stuck“I just wanted to win”: the mindset behind academic dominanceActuarial exams in 2.5 years (when the average was ~7)RBS context + how the NatWest hostile takeover happenedBuilding Tesco Bank from scratch: 140 people → 5,000 → 8m customersHiring “the best people I knew” and why trust beats processSocial mobility: money, identity, and why he treats everyone the sameSoho stories: tailors, members clubs, and the “Higgins No.5” cocktailThe Golden Globes: Jon Hamm photo… taken by Bradley CooperLunch with Maya Angelou: poetry, Burns, and an unforgettable momentWhat people think is true about him (but isn’t)What’s next — and the ambition that still drives himGuestBenny Higgins — former senior leader at RBS, creator of Tesco Bank, chair/board roles across culture and business.Subscribe on YouTube + hit the bellFollow the podcast on Spotify/Apple: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DV9tUfz5nGCmH0bfZUFrMJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/davidmcintoshjrFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/If you enjoyed this give me a follow:Sponsor — Slater Menswear (Made To Order)Quick shoutout to Slater Menswear’s Made To Order service — they’ve been part of some of the biggest moments in my own origin story: first job interview suit, first corporate role, big talks, and now sitting across from guests I genuinely admire. They measure you properly, you choose every detail, and you get a suit that actually feels like it fits the life you’re stepping into.If you’ve got a moment coming up — wedding, promotion, graduation, or a first interview — check out Slaters Made To Order. It’s a belter.
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#147 Benny Higgins: Ex-Bank CEO on Success, Money, Art & What Really Matters
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