BROADCASTS.com

Tim Saunders seems like the kind of leader you\u2019d absolutely follow into battle. He thrives in high-pressure situations, remains cool under pressure and truly values his troops\u2019 expertise. Saunders also fully commits to taking on new -- and seemingly overwhelming \u2013 challenges, like the one that greeted him in his first finance executive role following his time in public accounting. During his first week on that job, Saunders discovered his telecommunications company had lost $25 million the previous year, received news that the New York Stock Exchange was threatening delisting, and received a letter that had been languishing on his CEO\u2019s desk for days. The note, from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, contained more than three dozen comments requiring prompt remediation. \u201cDealing with 44 SEC comments is a good way to learn about the company during your first week on the job,\u201d Saunders deadpans. But he\u2019s not entirely kidding. That unflappable demeanor has served Saunders well while pursuing a varied procession of daunting challenges in a diverse blend of industries, including telecom, semiconductors, clean-tech, private equity and, now, the burgeoning cannabis industry.