Thrive and Grow with Vidya Murali
Scale-up Leader | Speaker | Leadership Coach
About Vidya
Author of How to Survive in a Scale-Up Business (Routledge, Aug 2025), MBA, University of Cambridge.
Support for Scale-Up Leaders
With over 20 years of senior leadership experience, I’ve worked in high-growth tech companies including Amazon, Deliveroo, and Skyscanner. I specialise in speaking, mentoring, advising, and coaching leaders on how to drive performance and build thriving, resilient cultures.
Support for Universities
I work with universities to equip students with the tools and confidence to succeed in start-ups and scale-ups. Through talks and group mentoring, I help early-career talent navigate the unique challenges of fast-paced environments and prepare for meaningful, long-term success.
Originally from Chennai, India. I have been based near London since 2006, where I live with my husband, daughter, and dog. I'm passionate about mindfulness, mental and physical health, psychology, art, gardening, and growing food.My New Book:
How to Survive in a Scale-Up Business
Working in a scale-up can be exhilarating — but also overwhelming. This book is your emotional survival kit for fast-moving, high-growth environments.Inside, you’ll find the #scaleupsurvivalkit:A personal scale-up suitability checklistTips for interviewing and succeeding in your first 90 daysInsights and coaching prompts to navigagte toxic patternsReal-life case studies from scale-up leadersStrategies tailored for introverts, highly sensitive peiple, ethnic minorities, and ADHD or dyslexiaEmotional tools for building resilience - even in the face of setbacks or burnou
Whether you’re just starting out, transitioning from corporate life, or supporting others through change, this is the go-to book to help you grow.Order from
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Routledge (Publisher site)
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Amazon (UK)
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Amazon (US)
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Amazon (Germany)
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Educators Request an inspection copy
Why should you read my book?
Scale-ups can be a game-changer, but what's the real cost? Watch to learn more.Speaking & Events
For Universities
Invite me to speak with your students about careers in scale-ups.In this session, students will:Discover how to find roles that fit their values and strengthsLearn how to thrive in the first 90 daysBuild confidence in unstructured, hybrid environmentsUnderstand how neurodivergent and underrepresented talent can succeed
🕒 Format: 45-min talk + 15-min Q&A (virtual or in person)
✨ Extras: CV clinic, skills workshops, book discussion
For Scale-Ups & HR networks
Host an engaging session on how to navigate the human dynamics of high-growth organisations.Topics include:Preventing burnout and managing ambiguitySupporting diverse professionalsIdentifying and resolving toxic team patternsBuilding personal influence and emotional resilience
🕒 Format: 45-min talk + 15-min Q&A
✨ Add-ons: Roundtables, team coaching, book club sessionsPraise for the book
Jeff Wellstead, CEO at Big Bear Partners
“This is a real-world survival kit. The emotional and behavioural insights would have helped me immensely during my own journey.”
Avril Lobo, Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach
“Vidya’s book is a mirror and a map — practical, deep and refreshingly honest.”
Dan Warne, CEO at Sessions, Former MD at Deliveroo
“A must-read for anyone transitioning into scale-ups. This book is the equivalent of several hours of mentoring and coaching from experienced leaders.”
Catriona King, VP Commerical, Skycanner
“What I especially loved about this book was its practicality — it's bursting with frameworks, thought-provoking questions, opportunities for reflection, and actionable tips on developing the emotional intelligence essential for success in scale-up land, and evolving as a leader in this space.”
Carmen Carey, Tech CEO/COO
“An educational and honest guide for any professional entering the scale-up world. I only wish I had this book 20 years ago.”
Ben Legg, Founder of The Portfolio Collective