Name: David McNally
Job title: Private banking manager.
What do you actually do:
My job’s two-fold – I look after a small portfolio of clients. My job is to make sure that their finances are looked after today and in the future. And that’s backed up by everything that we have to offer – from banking, investment to savings and mortgages – but with a focus on long term relationships and a focus on clients’ family situations, too. The other part of my job is business development. As we’re purposely not on the high street, we’ve got to get out there and spread the word.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, who?
I’ve not I’ve had I’ve not had specific mentors, but at every bank I’ve worked at, there’s always been one person who is inspirational. I’ve been really lucky – banking can be pretty dry, pretty black or white – so to find people who are actually sort of inspiring is hugely beneficial.
Does money motivate you?
Money motivates me to the point where, as a family, we need enough to exist but I’m more motivated by helping people. And I know that may sound a little sickly-sweet but it’s true. I like to help.
What has been the most important event in your working life?
After lots of thoughts on this, I got made redundant about 28 years ago from a company called Scottish Widows. And I could’ve stayed there forever – it was a lovely place to work. I was in my twenties, I was married but I didn’t panic and getting pushed from insurance into banking was an important moment for me – it’s made all of the difference.
Who do you most admire?
No one specific but, more generally, people who have gone self employed because it’s incredibly brave.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership for me is about support. “We’ll give you enough freedom to make informed decisions and let you stand on your own 2 feet but we’ll support if things don’t work out.” It’s not about standing over people but being a safety net.
Favourite TV show?
Sopranos. And Peaky Blinders.
How do you relax?
So I relax by going on meals out with the family. A nice bottle of red!
Fry-up or healthy smoothie?
We all should go for the healthy smoothies, shouldn’t we?
Pub or club?
A club, but I don’t mean like a mad techno-kind of deal more like the ones that you saw in the eighties!
Gym or countryside walk?
Definitely gym.
Favourite piece of music?
Anything by Kate Bush.
Flannels or Florence and Fred?
I think I like the idea of Flannels. The prices can be ridiculous but occasionally I’ll get an investment piece.
Birkdale or Birkenhead?
Birkenhead for the view over to Liverpool.