The LEAD– Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the Diaspora, begun 2007. It is a team of committed researchers with diversity in membership, aspiration, scholarship and background. The researchers are from Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya; Africa Diaspora: Trinidad, US, Canada, West Indies and Barbados. The team has achievements in research and publications; virtual interaction and infrequent physical meetings. This paper examines the factors behind these achievements namely task drive, focus, composition, individual motivation and above all leadership. The paper highlights the beginnings of LEAD team, growth, leadership, academic works, challenges and future directions.