What factors contribute most to career success in academia? Using qualitative methods, the study sought information from eighteen full and chaired professors in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Reflecting on factors that contributed to academic success, participants identified: an "inherent" attraction to academic work; ability to manage time; passion for research; ability to meet the challenges of writing; and the ability to form and maintain professional relationships and networks. Success factors spanned differences in gender, age, academic discipline, and national higher education system. Given recent changes in higher education, the study concludes that universities may need to review their policies and practices in order to provide an environment that will help them attract and retain outstanding academics in the future.