About Our Founder

Erik Anker is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who holds master’s degrees in Critical & Creative Thinking and Organizational Leadership. 

He is also a certified personal fitness trainer, trained mediator, and currently teaches Critical Thinking and Ethics in higher education.

Erik’s military career was broad and impactful, encompassing leadership roles in logistics, athletics, and military training, before culminating 

in a focus on Equal Opportunity. He served as the Director of Equal Opportunity for the entire Air National Guard. Among his most significant 

contributions was his work in Kenya, where he led multiple operational and support teams in the development and staffing of an international 

combat medicine training facility. In this role, he also represented the United Nations Security Council, speaking with senior military leaders

 from 39 African nations on mission-focused organizational culture and workplace gender equity.

Following his retirement from the military, Erik pursued television comedy writing with notable success before discovering a deep passion for 

teaching at the university and community college levels. Today, he brings together this uniquely diverse background through Critical Relating,

 offering his blend of skills, insight, and leadership experience to individuals and organizations seeking elevated 

problem-solving, clarity, creativity, and effective communication.