ADHD at Work: Thriving as a Solutions or Sales Engineer
- CJ Pringle
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Solutions Engineering: The Bridge Between Product and Client
Solutions Engineers (SEs) and Sales Engineers act as the technical translators and problem-solvers between product teams and customers. Their role goes far beyond sales support—they’re responsible for demoing platforms, troubleshooting complex integrations, answering pre-sales technical questions, and making sure solutions are not just sold, but fully understood and successfully implemented.
To succeed in this fast-paced role, SEs need a rare mix of strengths: deep technical knowledge, genuine customer empathy, clear and confident communication, and emotional resilience under pressure. Whether they’re working in SaaS, AI, networking, cybersecurity, or hardware, SEs are expected to bridge the gap between technical complexity and client clarity—often in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.
October 2025, CJ Pringle, ADHD Coach @ Agave Health
Common ADHD Struggles in Pre-Sales Engineering
The SE role is fast-paced and ever-changing—great for many ADHD brains. But without structure, it can quickly become overwhelming. Common challenges include:
1. Context Switching and Working Memory Overload
Jumping from a fintech demo to a healthcare API integration takes a toll
ADHD makes it harder to retain details and shift gears smoothly
2. Procrastination on Demos, Docs, or Follow-Ups
Preparing custom environments and documentation often gets delayed
If the task doesn’t offer immediate dopamine, it tends to get skipped
3. Difficulty Prioritizing Requests
SEs support AEs, PMs, and partner teams—often all at once
ADHD can make it hard to decide what matters most and say no when needed
4. Inconsistent Notetaking and CRM Hygiene
Forgetting to log pain points or next steps can disrupt the sales cycle
ADHD impacts working memory and follow-through
5. Emotional Reactivity in High-Stakes Scenarios
A failed demo or difficult client can feel deeply personal
Rejection sensitivity and impulsive responses are common with ADHD
Level Up Your SE Toolkit with ADHD Strategies
You can thrive in this role by adding structure that protects your time, energy, and creativity. Here are some targeted strategies:
Use a Client Snapshot Before Each Call
Include:
Industry
Key stakeholders
Tech stack
Last issue or question
Reviewing this helps you reorient quickly and reduce prep time
Build a Demo Checklist
Create a repeatable routine for technical calls:
Environment ready
Features toggled
Known issues noted
Reduces last-minute scrambling and missed steps
Batch Follow-Ups at the End of Each Day
Set aside 30–45 minutes for:
Recap emails
CRM updates
Team communication
Doing this all at once makes it feel less scattered
Time-Box Deep Technical Work
Set a timer for 45–90 minutes for builds or troubleshooting
Prevents burnout and perfectionism
Capture Ideas in a “Brilliant Backlog”
Log extra demo ideas or technical improvements without derailing current tasks
Protects creativity without sacrificing momentum
Practice Emotional Scenarios
Prepare for common high-pressure moments:
Demo bugs
Answering tough questions
Handling rejection
Prepping ahead reduces reactivity and builds confidence
How Agave Health Helps Solutions Engineers with ADHD Succeed
At Agave Health, we understand the fast-paced, high-pressure world of solutions engineering—and how ADHD can impact both performance and confidence.
Our ADHD-informed coaching and therapy programs are built to support professionals in complex roles like yours. We help SEs:
Build habits for reliable follow-through
Improve prioritization across shifting account demands
Reduce anxiety before demos or presentations
Strengthen communication and documentation routines
Harness ADHD strengths like adaptability, systems thinking, and big-picture problem-solving
You don’t have to figure this out alone. With the right support, you can show up consistently, close more deals, and thrive in your career.
Learn more at agavehealth.com
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