The qualitative phenomenological study explored how female leaders perceived advancement into senior leadership positions in academia. Twenty women were selected using Moustakas's modified, van Kaam Method. Each interview was transcribed and data analyzed using research software. Eight themes emerged. The themes centered on experience, education, communication, collaboration, mentoring, thick skin, leading to the essence of the experience of the phenomenon. The implication for leadership was to find strategies for women attempting to move into senior leadership.