Office Hours

with Synergies Work Team

Office hours are dedicated times when our team members are available to provide personalized support, guidance, and advice on various aspects of business ownership.

What are office hours

Synergies Work's office hours provide personalized support, guidance, and advice on business ownership. Whether you need help with challenges, feedback on ideas, or mentorship, it's a valuable opportunity to connect with our team.

Who is it for

Our office hours are open to all—entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to start or grow their business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, we're here to support your unique needs.

How to sign up

Sign up for office hours by clicking the link under the team member you want to schedule with, which will take you to their Calendly page. Check the availability of different team members and select a time that works best for you.

Book with the Synergies Work team

Aarti Sahgal Headshot. She is a woman with dark hair and olive toned skin wearing a dark top and light grey sweater.

The story behind starting Synergies Work is deeply personal. When our younger son, who has Down syndrome, was born, my husband and I vowed to give him the same opportunities as his older brother. This promise became even more urgent in 2017 when our older son started his own business. Watching him navigate entrepreneurship made me realize the significant gap in support for entrepreneurs with disabilities. This gap wasn’t just logistical; it reflected low expectations that limit the potential of people with disabilities.

I couldn’t accept this reality. With a mix of maternal determination and a passion for change, I founded Synergies Work—not just as another nonprofit, but to ignite a movement. This movement aims to challenge outdated norms and show that inclusive entrepreneurship benefits everyone.

Aarti Sahgal

Synergies Work Founder & CEO

At Synergies Work, we believe in the power of community and open dialogue. As the CEO, I am committed to fostering a welcoming space where we can connect, share ideas, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Office Hours Schedule

Topics I Cover

  • Entrepreneurial Ventures: Offering guidance on starting and scaling businesses.
  • Finding Your Purpose: I am passionate about helping others discover their true calling and aligning it with their entrepreneurial journey.
  • Program Insights: Answering questions and providing insights into our various programs.
  • Mission Engagement: Discussing our mission and how you can be part of building an inclusive community for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
  • Feedback & Collaboration: Listening to your feedback and exploring collaborative opportunities.
David Eckoff specializes in building, launching and scaling digital products and platforms in organizations from startup to Fortune 500.
 
Previously, Eckoff was GM / Corporate Entrepreneur at EmployBridge, leading development of new businesses and products within the $3 billion company. 
 
Eckoff has served in executive roles at Turner Broadcasting as Vice President New Products; at RealNetworks in Seattle, pioneering online sports broadcasting, music, movies and games; and at Rivals.com as Senior Vice President.  
 
Eckoff has been retained as a strategic advisor to startups and established companies. He has advised companies including Kleiner Perkins backed Zazzle.com, live interactive broadcasting platform Ustream.TV (acquired by IBM), 3D Virtual World innovator Kaneva, Scientific Games, and more.  
 
He’s co-founded two technology startups, leading small product teams tackling big problems. He led Pickoff Sports from inception to sale.  
 
David has extensive experience coaching startup founders and high potential product professionals. Participants in David’s training programs develop skills critical to business launch and growth, focused on customer discovery, product-market fit, hypothesis-driven and evidence-led product development, rapid product development and iteration, scaling, negotiation skills for entrepreneurs, and leadership skills for founders.
 
He served as Entrepreneur-In-Residence at the Georgia State “Main Street” startup accelerator; and the Comcast NBCUniversal “The Farm” startup accelerator and innovation hub.  
 
He started his first business at age 7, manufacturing and selling craft chocolate.
 
A recognized product innovation expert, David has guest lectured at the University of North Carolina, and at the University of Valparaíso in Chile.

David Eckoff

Head of Accelerator and Operations

Hi! I’m David Eckoff, Head of Accelerator and Operations at Synergies Work, and I look forward to talking with you during office hours.

Office Hours Schedule

Topics I Cover

Any business topic you want to talk about, including:
  • Customer Discovery: Understanding your customers before you build a product or service, and on an ongoing basis.
  • Marketing/Customer Acquisition
  • Operations
  • Building your team
  • Negotiating
  • Presentations and pitches
  • Leadership skills
  • Time/focus management
  • Peak performance

As a Program Manager at Synergies Work, I’ve coached three cohorts of the Igniting Ideas program, a foundational initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs. I’ve co-created content, provided 30 hours of personalized founder coaching, and adapted materials to suit various learning styles, ensuring equitable access for all participants.

In addition to my role at Synergies Work, I am the founder of a social media business with seven years of experience. My journey through the challenges faced by our participants allows me to offer a unique blend of research, marketing, and operations expertise. Coupled with practical advice derived from thriving with my disabilities, I bring both understanding and actionable strategies to my coaching. My passion for empowering individuals and fostering inclusive environments drives my commitment to making a positive impact in the entrepreneurial community. I also serve as VP of Accessibility for a south Florida non-profit organization called the Friendship Journey

Paola Blanco

Program Manager

Hi I’m Paola Blanco, the Program Manager at Synergies Work and the owner of Pixels and Paper, an accessible web design business. I am a passionate advocate for accessibility and equity. Navigating the business world as a person with Cerebral Palsy (CP) presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Embracing a mindset of innovation and adaptability can turn these challenges into strengths. I am confident in my ability to develop creative solutions and leverage technology to support other business owners in their journey.

Office Hours Schedule

Jennifer Parr is the Multimedia & Strategic Initiatives Manager at Synergies Work. With a deep passion for creativity and advocacy, she crafts engaging multimedia content and drives strategic initiatives to empower disabled entrepreneurs.

Jen leverages her own experiences as an autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, and chronically ill individual to create programs that truly resonate with the diverse needs of the community. Her personal journey fuels her dedication to highlighting the successes of disabled entrepreneurs and building a supportive environment.

Jen’s work is all about connection and empowerment, using multimedia to tell powerful stories and amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. She believes everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and she’s committed to making that a reality for all.

Jennifer Parr

Multimedia & Strategic Initiatives Manager

Hey! I’m Jen Parr, the Multimedia & Strategic Initiatives Manager at Synergies Work and the owner of a creative business, DIYvinci. I am a neurodivergent advocate and bring a unique perspective to business ownership, informed by my experiences as someone who is autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, has alexithymia, and Bechet’s disease. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your entrepreneurial journey!

Office Hours Schedule

Topics I Cover

  • Neurodiversity: Understanding and leveraging neurodivergent strengths in business.
  • Chronic Illness: Navigating business ownership while managing chronic health conditions.
  • Art/Design: Insights into creative processes and using design to enhance business appeal.
  • Branding: Building a strong, authentic brand that resonates with your audience.
  • Technology/Tools: Effective tools and technologies for streamlining business operations.
  • AI: Utilizing artificial intelligence to improve business efficiency and innovation.
  • Website: Tips on creating and maintaining an engaging and accessible website.

Office Hours FAQ

Can I request communication accommodations?

For our office hours, you have the flexibility to choose how you’d like to communicate. You can opt to have your camera on or off, and you’re welcome to speak directly or type your questions and comments in the chat. This way, you can engage in the way that feels most comfortable and productive for you. Be sure to note your preferences when signing up so we are prepared to accommodate!

You can schedule anytime that our team has an opening on their calendar. Check the availability of different team members and select a time that works best for you.

If you anticipate being late or need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. If you’re more than 5 minutes late, we’ll need to reschedule the meeting.

All sessions are hosted on Zoom and are recorded for our reference, but they will never be shared externally without your permission.