During November 2003 in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, two teams of volunteers took part in a unique and challenging adventure experience that required them to compete regularly against each other in demanding, physical contests of courage, fitness and teamwork. The teams were, however, run in two very different ways to explore the impact of different leadership styles on team, and individual, performance. The programme was produced by RDF Media and screened in 2004 over three episodes on Channel 4 as 'The Carrot or The Stick'.

One team aimed to increase performance by threat of punishment if the team underperformed, and was not allowed to encourage or reward. This was the Stick team. The other team aimed to increase performance by encouragement and reward if the team performed well, and was not allowed to discipline or reprimand. This was the Carrot team. Both sets of coaches and instructors were strictly held to the leadership style of their team, and both teams were set up to be equally matched in ability. Ben Clayton-Jolly was the coach for the Carrot Team.

For the next three weeks both teams lived outdoors in the rain and cold of the mountains, and competed against each other in a variety of tough military style events - log races, assault courses, land rover pulls, boxing and so on. Living conditions were basic so the physical and mental pressure on both teams was immense. And all of this was taking place under the watchful gaze of a television film crew from RDF Media.

The experience had a very positive impact on all those involved, especially those in the two teams. The combination of intense competition, teamwork and camraderie, and consistent leadership from the coaches of each team, had a real and long lasting impact, and there have been several superb success stories from participants since the programme.