POV: I Work as a Senior Principal Sales Engineer at Progress

Today we’re talking to Panhavorn Hok, Senior Principal Sales Engineer at Progress. From solving complex data challenges for the U.S. government to driving AI and digital transformation, his journey is all about innovation, collaboration and impact. Curious about what energizes him and how he stays ahead in the fast-changing technology landscape? Read on to find out.

Can you tell us about yourself and your career path at Progress so far?

When I first heard about Progress Software, I’ll admit I didn’t know much about it. My career began at MarkLogic in June 2022 as a Senior Principal Sales Engineer, focused on delivering MarkLogic and Semaphore solutions to the U.S. government to solve complex data challenges.

Then came the acquisition by Progress and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve seen in this industry. Today, I’m proud to call myself a Progresser. My role has expanded beyond data solutions. I now help customers tackle AI challenges, manage infrastructure and create exceptional digital experiences. It’s exciting to be part of a company that’s shaping the future.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Helping the U.S. government solve complex problems is no small feat. It requires deep expertise and seamless collaboration across Progress and our Federal Solutions team. Every day, I work closely with colleagues to integrate technologies that make a real difference.

For example, combining Progress Data Platform with FastTrack components and the Kendo UI toolkit allows us to deliver a complete solution. From managing complex data to visualizing, it drives decisions. We call it ‘Integration of Your Data 360’ because it’s not just about storing data; it’s about making it actionable and insightful.

Which part of your role energizes you the most, and why?

When people ask what keeps me motivated as a Solution Engineer, the answer is simple: our culture, our products and our team. These three pillars make every day exciting and push me to grow both personally and professionally.

Progress Culture

At Progress, the culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset. We thrive on curiosity, collaboration and continuous learning. It’s a place where ideas matter, and innovation is encouraged. That kind of environment makes it easy to stay energized because you’re surrounded by people who want to make things better every single day.

Our Products

One of the most exciting parts of my role is working with products that truly push boundaries. From simple, elegant solutions to complex systems that integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI, our portfolio challenges me to keep learning. Every project feels like an opportunity to explore new possibilities and deliver solutions that make a real impact. 

The Progress Federal Solutions Team

Finally, the team I work with is nothing short of inspiring. We share a commitment to excellence and problem-solving, and that creates a sense of trust and camaraderie. Collaborating with such talented professionals motivates me to go the extra mile because I know we’re building something meaningful together.

How would you describe your team’s culture?

Our federal solutions team is a powerhouse of experience and technical depth. No challenge is too big; we tackle the hardest problems our clients present and consistently deliver solutions that exceed expectations.

After 15 years in the industry, I can honestly say this is the best team I’ve worked with. Every day, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and leadership who not only set clear goals, but also inspire growth both professionally and personally. Their vision and guidance motivates me to strive for excellence, while fostering an environment where learning and innovation thrive.

What’s a habit or routine that helps you stay productive and focused?

Two principles guide my productivity:

Noise-to-Ratio

This is a concept I first heard from Steve Jobs: focus on the most important tasks and eliminate distractions. Each day, I create a list of the most critical tasks that need to be completed within 24 hours and commit to finishing them. Everything else is noise. By concentrating on those priorities, I can deliver my best work to both my team and our clients.

Just Take the First Step

As a Sales Engineer, communication is key. To sharpen this skill, I took a part-time role as an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College. Teaching students from diverse backgrounds taught me how to explain complex ideas in a simple, clear way—a skill that translates directly to working with clients. I truly believe that if I can help students from different backgrounds understand a subject, I can do the same for our clients.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, it’s all about family. My wife and two boys share my love for food, and we’re always on the hunt for new culinary adventures. From sushi to Cambodian cuisine, we love exploring flavors and sometimes even venturing out of state just to try something new.

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