Leadership development in higher education is of vital importance to South Africa's future. We present a case study that focuses on a leadership development programme (LDP) through action learning and action research (ALAR) for women academics in South Africa during 2000 and 2001. It identifies the effects of the LDP on participants five years after the programme. The evaluation process encouraged participants to reflect on their own learning, research growth and leadership capabilities, and on how they may further develop their practice and career. Reflecting on this evaluation, we have conceptualized the results and developed process models of leadership development through action research. These models may be used as a framework for designing, conducting and evaluating leadership or other professional development programmes in higher education.