Ruth Westheimer didn’t set out to become Dr. Ruth, the celebrity sex therapist on radio and TV in the 1980s. But when the Sorbonne- and Cornell-trained psychologist was offered a chance to host shows that would educate the public about sexuality, she felt she had to do it. She remains active as a lecturer and writer and has recently released two books. “Not bad at 87!” she says.

A version of this article appeared in the April 2016 issue (p.124) of Harvard Business Review.