The relationship challenges faced by women in leadership ranks within the academy are rarely researched. There is a dearth of research that explores the relationships between women in higher education settings and their colleagues, along with their ability to ascend to roles of leadership. Women have become well prepared to compete in the academy. However, many women in leadership roles in academia are not prepared for the lack of support and comradery from female colleagues. Using the personal stories of 34 female academic leaders, this research explores common experiences of relational aggression, perceived causes of these episodes, along with their perceptions of relationships with female colleagues in their respective institutions.