Ex-Banking CEO (RBS and Tesco Bank): Benny Higgins on Power, Money, Art & What Really Matters

Benny Higgins grew up in Toryglen tower blocks, captained Celtic’s youth team, and became a defining force in modern Scottish business — from 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 In this episode Why Kelvingrove is symbolic to Benny’s origin story Toryglen tower blocks: toughness, community, and confidence through football Celtic youth captaincy and the first leadership lessons that stuck “I just wanted to win”: the mindset behind academic dominance Actuarial exams in 2.5 years (when the average was ~7) RBS context + how the NatWest hostile takeover happened Building Tesco Bank from scratch: 140 people → 5,000 → 8m customers Hiring “the best people I knew” and why trust beats process Social mobility: money, identity, and why he treats everyone the same Soho stories: tailors, members clubs, and the “Higgins No.5” cocktail The Golden Globes: Jon Hamm photo… taken by Bradley Cooper Lunch with Maya Angelou: poetry, Burns, and an unforgettable moment What people think is true about him (but isn’t) What’s next — and the ambition that still drives him 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.

David McIntosh JrhostBenny Higginsguest

Dec 21, 20251h 13mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: December 21, 2025
Duration: 1h 13m
Channel: Origin Story w/ David McIntosh Jr
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Benny Higgins grew up in Toryglen tower blocks, captained Celtic’s youth team, and became a defining force in modern Scottish business — from 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 In this episode Why Kelvingrove is symbolic to Benny’s origin story Toryglen tower blocks: toughness, community, and confidence through football Celtic youth captaincy and the first leadership lessons that stuck “I just wanted to win”: the mindset behind academic dominance Actuarial exams in 2.5 years (when the average was ~7) RBS context + how the NatWest hostile takeover happened Building Tesco Bank from scratch: 140 people → 5,000 → 8m customers Hiring “the best people I knew” and why trust beats process Social mobility: money, identity, and why he treats everyone the same Soho stories: tailors, members clubs, and the “Higgins No.5” cocktail The Golden Globes: Jon Hamm photo… taken by Bradley Cooper Lunch with Maya Angelou: poetry, Burns, and an unforgettable moment What people think is true about him (but isn’t) What’s next — and the ambition that still drives him 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.

SPEAKERS

David McIntosh Jr
host
Podcast host of Origin Story who interviews guests about their life and career.
Benny Higgins
guest
Former banking executive associated with RBS and founding/building Tesco Bank.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Origin Story w/ David McIntosh Jr, featuring David McIntosh Jr and Benny Higgins, Ex-Banking CEO (RBS and Tesco Bank): Benny Higgins on Power, Money, Art & What Really Matters explores benny Higgins on roots, leadership, culture, ambition, and identity enduring Higgins describes growing up in Toryglen’s tower blocks as tough but loving, and credits school, football, and pride in learning for building confidence and determination.

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