why this?
At else&ever (e&e), we believe great businesses deserve strategy that’s as ambitious as the founders behind them.
Too many companies are pushed toward growth tactics before the foundation is clear — scattered marketing, misaligned messaging, and short-term wins that don’t compound. We exist to change that.
Our work focuses on helping founder-led companies build the systems behind sustainable growth: clear positioning, thoughtful go-to-market strategy, and the strategic guidance needed as the business evolves.
While we partner with founders across industries, we intentionally center female-founded companies. Women start businesses at remarkable rates, yet only about 1.6–1.9% of women-owned companies ever surpass $1M in annual revenue. We believe that number should be dramatically higher.
Our goal is simple: help more founder-led businesses build the clarity, momentum, and strategic foundation required to scale — thoughtfully, sustainably, and with lasting impact.
Meet the Team
Sierra Dowd,
Founder & Principal Strategist
Sierra Dowd is a strategic growth architect and communications expert with over 17 years of experience turning bold ideas into lasting, impactful brands. From AI and sustainable tech to luxury goods, entertainment, and consumer products, she’s built thoughtful, high-performing strategies for companies at every stage—whether quietly scaling a startup or elevating global icons like L’Oréal, Lexus, Nike, and Flexjet.
What sets Sierra apart is her ability to connect vision with execution. She doesn’t just develop strategy—she rolls up her sleeves and brings it to life. Her work blends data and storytelling, empathy and performance, brand purpose and business growth. She’s launched products that landed at the top of Product Hunt, led campaigns that went viral, and built marketing systems that drive real results—without losing the soul of the brand.
Her passion for human rights and community runs deep. Sierra is the founder of 98society, a purpose-driven apparel brand that supports sexual assault prevention, and the co-founder of Be More Heroic, an anti-bullying nonprofit that reached over 20,000 students nationwide. These experiences fuel her belief that brands can—and should—be a force for good.
She holds a degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations, along with a certification in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School Online. Equal parts strategist, operator, and storyteller, Sierra brings clarity, momentum, and meaning to every brand she touches.
Lane Hummel is a marketing strategist and operations leader with a sharp eye for both brand-building and business growth. With experience across media, technology, and community-driven sectors, they bring a rare ability to connect strategic vision with operational execution—ensuring marketing efforts are not only creative, but also sustainable and scalable.
Over the course of their career, Lane has developed and led impactful client programs, including VIP initiatives, reference programs, and customer advisory boards. Their strength lies in building trusted relationships—collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, clients, and industry partners to bring strategic partnerships to life and drive long-term success.
Lane is particularly skilled at crafting compelling brand positioning, refining internal processes, and uncovering new opportunities for growth. Their approach combines strong relationship management with a deep understanding of streamlining workflows and elevating brand value.
At the core of their work is a passion for helping businesses forge meaningful connections and build lasting communities through strategy, efficiency, and heart.