Terry L. Fossum: From the “Fat, Old Scoutmaster” to Los Angeles Magazine’s Person of the Year

How one man defied the odds to redefine human potential and transform lives worldwide

When Terry L. Fossum was cast as the face of Boy Scouts of America on the survival reality show Kicking & Screaming, no one expected him to last a day, let alone win. Competing as the oldest contestant against military survival instructors, special forces veterans, and martial arts experts, Terry humbly described himself as “the fat, old Scoutmaster.” Yet, he emerged victorious, shocking everyone, including himself.

But for Terry, overcoming insurmountable odds was nothing new.

A Journey of Adversity and Triumph

Born and raised in the poorest city in the United States, surrounded by drugs and violence, Terry faced life-threatening situations from an early age. In middle school, he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun in his own back alley. Tragedy struck again in high school when his father was killed, and a neighbor cruelly predicted, “not a single one of your sons will ever grow up to be anything.”

But Terry defied those bleak expectations. He became an officer in the U.S. Air Force, serving as Executive Officer for a group of nuclear B-52 bombers during the Cold War, earning numerous accolades for his service.

The Turning Point

Despite his military success, Terry’s transition into the civilian world wasn’t easy. Entering the direct sales industry, he faced years of failure, driven by fears, self-doubt, and excuses. He hit rock bottom one fateful day when he stared into a bathroom mirror and admitted defeat, thinking the neighbor’s cruel words had come true.

In that moment, a realization dawned on him: the traditional teachings about goal-setting were fundamentally flawed. Relying on positive visualization, mantras, and dream boards wasn’t enough to break free from his comfort zone. Inspired by Nobel Prize-winning Prospect Theory, Terry uncovered the missing piece of the goal-setting puzzle.

The Oxcart Technique: A Revolutionary Approach

Terry developed The Oxcart Technique, a groundbreaking system that transformed his approach to goals. Once he applied it, his life changed dramatically. He quickly climbed to the top fraction of 1% of his industry on a global scale, achieving success beyond his wildest dreams.

His revolutionary technique resonated so strongly that it became a bestselling book, Never Miss a Goal Again, topping the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon charts. His TEDx Talk debuted as the #2-ranked talk in the world.

A Renaissance Man’s Adventures

Terry’s accomplishments extend far beyond professional success. He earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, acted in films—winning awards like Best Supporting Actor and Fan Favorite—and hosted numerous high-profile projects. His philanthropic efforts in Rwanda and Malawi have touched countless lives, and his adventures have taken him deep into the Arctic Circle, the Amazon jungle, and the mountains of Rwanda in search of Silverback Gorillas.

Yet, Terry considers his greatest accomplishment raising three stepsons into honorable men, a journey he calls his “most rewarding adventure.”

The Comeback Chronicles and Never-Ending Impact

Terry’s passion for helping others reach their full potential is at the heart of everything he does. Through his Comeback Chronicles podcast, he shares stories of resilience and transformation, inspiring listeners worldwide. His keynotes, hailed as world-class, empower audiences to break through barriers and achieve their dreams.

As a Human Potential Expert, Terry has dedicated his life to coaching individuals to success. His updated book, Never Miss a Goal Again, is a testament to his relentless drive to help others unlock their potential.

A Legacy of Inspiration

From surviving poverty and tragedy to achieving global recognition in diverse fields, Terry L. Fossum epitomizes the power of resilience, innovation, and a relentless commitment to growth. His story is a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable and that success is within reach for anyone willing to embrace change and push beyond their limits.

For his extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering passion for transforming lives, Terry L. Fossum is Los Angeles Magazine’s Person of the Year.

Learn more about his journey and techniques at www.TerryLFossum.com or follow him on social media.