Noel Richardson is currently the president of Shasta Linen Supply Inc., a storied and successful 110-year-old commercial laundry business with 65 employees in downtown Sacramento, CA.
 
But back in her 20s, she was an art-school graduate and expatriate living in Greece. She also was an avid runner, but since women didn’t run in the street in those days, she ran on a track. Men also ran on that track, chatting amongst themselves as they circled the course. While a strong runner, Richardson couldn’t quite keep up with the men—and thus couldn’t break into their circle.
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