The occurrence of research collaboration among multiple researchers is becoming more widespread within the academic research community. Research collaboration endeavours offer many benefits yet are not without challenges. This think piece draws on our lived experiences as educators and university researchers to evaluate a research collaboration journey. The process prompted us to deeply question and critically reflect on what enables and supports research collaboration in academic research partnerships. We undertook a critical reflective-in-action study collecting and analysing data for a period of 15 months. We uncovered three elements we propose are integral to supporting effective research collaboration practice and outcomes in academia. These are Acknowledging the Affective, Becoming Bolder, and Cultivating Creativity in what we term, the ‘ABCs of collaboration in academia.