top of page

Meet the Founders

Julian Fraser

When my second child was born not breathing, life immediately turned on its head. Those 10 minutes, with no sign of life, felt like an eternity and the future we had imagined for her seemed to disappear. My daughter, now 21, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy with complex care needs, and her brother also has Autism and ADHD.

 

The aftermath of her birth was painful and traumatic. Life seemed to spiral downwards. But then, in a single moment of profound insight, everything shifted. I realised that a happy life - one where I could truly enjoy my family and look forward to the future without constant stress and worry - was possible. 

 

This insight led me to a deeper understanding of wellbeing, one that is universal and transformative. After training with the One Thought Institute as a professional practitioner, I’ve spent the last 15 years helping others discover their own sense of wellbeing.

 

In 2021, Claire and I co-founded the Almond Tree Foundation to support parents of children with disabilities, helping them find peace and resilience in the face of their unique challenges.  I am married to Jo and we have 5 amazing children together and live in London with Henri the labrador. 

Julian Fraser
Claire Shutes

Claire Shutes

I was born with Cerebral Palsy, but it has not held me back. I am married and have a daughter. I spent twenty years making observational documentaries for the BBC and CH4, becoming a highly respected producer. After the birth of my daughter, I retrained, founding Potent Coaching in 2006. I now have an international client base working as a Master Transformative Coach and Three Principles Practitioner, as well as training prospective coaches and practitioners. 

 

My parents did not focus on my limitations but on my potential. My disability has been a tool for personal development and growth, prompting a journey of enquiry which began when I was 17 and still continues today. I have travelled the world studying with teachers from many traditions. I now understand that despite our thinking to the contrary, we are whole and perfect exactly as we are. Our inherent nature is love and that we are resilient whatever our circumstances. 

 

My professional and personal experience helps me to guide my clients in transforming their understanding of themselves and the world around them. I hope now to support families with disabilities on this journey. As Marcel Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” 

If you are interested in Almond Tree content

Associate

Linda Pransky

In 2019, Linda Pransky, along with her husband George, ran a full-time Three Principles practice. They travelled around the world and spoke at events and conferences.  That year George had heart bypass surgery and suffered a severe stroke. Life changed overnight. Linda became his caregiver, his primary rehab person, and his cheerleader.  Her life changed 180 degrees.

In the chaos of this change, she found love, gratitude, and hope with newfound strengths and capabilities. Over the past two years George has made a dramatic recovery and together they have found a beautiful new life.

 

Linda is currently on the executive committee of the Three Principles Global Community, and is a recent faculty member for the One Thought Institute and Partner at Pransky and Associates.

Linda Pranksy
bottom of page