I’ve spent much of my time and energy over the past five years engaged in large scale undergraduate curriculum change efforts across two Canadian Universities. First as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Nursing Programs at the University of Alberta, and currently as the Dean of Nursing at the University of Calgary. What I have observed and experienced is that the need for transformational and relational leadership is everywhere. As an academic leader, what I can accomplish is dependent on the quality of the relationships that I foster with colleagues, staff and students. Honesty, transparency, and building on strengths are key aspects of a relational leadership style.