Martha Beck, PhD., is a writer, a sociologist and a “life coach” who specializes in helping people design satisfying and meaningful lives. She holds a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in sociology, all from Harvard University.

Her non-academic books include the New York Times bestsellers “Expecting Adam and Leaving the Saints, as well as Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live, The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life and her newest book, Steering by Starlight: Find Your Right Life no Matter What.

The following is copied from Oprah.com:

Life coach and O, The Oprah Magazine columnist Martha Beck has the blueprint to stress-free living. Martha has a PhD from Harvard and is a mother of three who lives in Phoenix. “She’s one of the smartest women I know,” Oprah says.

I subscribe to the admittedly romantic belief that each person has a ‘right life’,
a journey through this world that will bring him or her the most possible joy
and fulfillment. As a life coach, my mission is to help people along the journey.”
~ Martha Beck, PhD