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.Workshop, Speaking & Events
This workshop was not just an event—it was a moment of reflection, learning, and gratitude.
B-School L&D Manager
The session was truly insightful and gave a brief understanding of 'Human aspects of growing businesses'.
MBA Student
For Universities/B-Schools
Invite me to prepare your students for careers in scale-ups.How to get into a scale-up — and stay valuable as AI changes the game.
In this session, students will develop awareness and strategies for:Am I suited to a scale-up?How do I position myself?How do I adapt once I’m in?
🕒 Format: Workshop
Audience: Early to Mid-careersFor Exec MBAs: Transitioning from Corporate to Scale-up leadership is exciting and scary at the same time.
This workshop will help you with-
What do I need to unlearn?How do I lead when the rules change?How do I create impact without hierarchy?
People/HR Leaders
Invest in a practical workshop on How to build a workforce that scales, adapts and stays valuable in the age of AI.In this session, your team will develop strategies and plans to address:Are our people scaling at the expected rate to support our business ambitions?How do we build adaptable leaders?How do we build a culture that makes AI our multiplier?
🕒 Format: Workshop
My 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 burnout
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
📚
Order from 📚
Routledge (Publisher site)
Get 40% off your copy (HSSB40)
Amazon (UK)
Order on Amazon book
INDIA (SPECIAL PRICE Rs 846)
Order from KBI Publishers to avail 20% discount with code: SCALE20
Amazon (US)
Order on Amazon US
Amazon (Germany)
Order on Amazon DE
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.
Praise 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