This article describes the importance of building academic and practice partnerships, and the process in developing and implementing a successful leadership academy in transforming emerging nurse leaders. In addition, this article highlighted the value on the evaluation and outcomes of the educational program pertaining to positive changes in the workplace. In its initial phase, the health system conducted a needs assessment that provided vital information to enhance nursing management development skills through the initiation of a leadership training academy for nurse leaders. The vital information obtained in the needs assessment was used as a framework in working on topical outline and content objectives developed as a joint initiative between the university-based school of nursing and health professions and the health system that shared a similar mission, vision, and goals. Thus, "Brilliant at the Basics" nursing leadership academy was formed. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(3):136-141.].