One of the key tenets guiding him in his latest role at Business Objects - the business intelligence software giant that bought Crystal Decisions Inc. in 2003 - is that the company's success is linked to the many talents of its employees.

Transforming those talents into a collective strength is what sets companies apart, he believes. But how does one do so? "I don't think there's a particular formula, other than it starts with culture," Wolfe said.

Rather than having an organization where orders come from the top, Wolfe prefers a more open-ended approach that allows staffers control over their destinies to make better decisions.

Wolfe took on his current role last July, moving on from his previous role of running sales for North America at Business Objects.

The integration of Business Objects and Crystal Decisions - the Lower Mainland's biggest software company before being bought in a deal worth US$1.2 billion - has been challenging. "That's been an interesting sort of adaptation," Wolfe said, noting the task's scale and complexity.

While Wolfe has been on an intense learning curve, he's also enjoyed his latest posting, in which he oversees sales, finance, customer support, marketing, professional services, human resources, information technology and administration.

His skills gained so far will come in handy. At Crystal Decisions, Wolfe was vice-president of North American sales for four years. Prior to that, he held various positions with Xerox Canada.

Wolfe, a Regina native and amateur jazz pianist, moved to the West Coast from Toronto with his family in 1999.

Profession you would like to try: Hammond organ player in an R 'n B band

Where do you feel most comfortable? Sitting in Deep Cove on my boat enjoying a cold one with my kids

Favourite movie: Saving Private Ryan

Currently reading: The Corporation

Toughest decision: Personnel decisions centred around restructuring following the Business Objects/Crystal Decisions merger

Car: Mercedes 320 convertible

Would most like to meet: Donald Fagen

Born: Regina

Last CD bought: Stevie Wonder compilation

Education: Bachelor of business administration, University of Regina

What's left to do: Mid-term, driving growth at an integrated Business Objects; long-term, becoming a CEO and working more closely with the investment community