With Helen Tudor-Fisk about to hit our screens again in the third season of the ABC’s international hit comedy, Fisk, we asked Kitty Flanagan to channel Australian television’s best-known probate lawyer.
Firstly, Helen, congratulations on being made partner. What does it mean to you?
Thank you. I’m delighted. I’m looking forward to making some big changes around the office. First up, there will be quality biscuits in the Gruber & Fisk kitchen for staff consumption, not just for clients but for staff. Monte Carlos, Tim Tams, Oreos – biscuits you actually want to eat – none of those plain Marie type of biscuits that only exist so old women like Viktor can make a cheesecake base.
Helen Fisk with colleagues Roz Gruber and Ray Gruber. Credit: ABC
Secondly, I’ll be getting rid of that toilet key. I’ve done my research, I’ve spoken to the ombudsman, and locking the toilet door is both a health hazard and against the law. I’ll be bringing that up with Roz at our next office WIP meeting. I’m not afraid of her. Mostly because I know she won’t be reading this. (Roz doesn’t read anything that’s not about her.)
New job, new responsibilities. Is this going to change your daily routine or change the way you dress?
Absolutely not. I dress for comfort and maximum efficiency. If I had to decide what to wear every day, that would take up valuable time and brainspace. I would be late for work every day because I’d be spending hours trying to find an outfit. In my youth, I had panic attacks watching American TV shows and movies where teens didn’t have to wear a uniform to school. Imagine that trauma of having to make wardrobe choices before you went to school every day? The judgment and the bullying I would have endured. I have never been particularly fashionable although, having said that, there is an awful lot of brown appearing in the shops these days. Maybe I’m finally on trend?
Ray Gruber, Fisk’s father, Anthony, and his partner, Viktor.Credit: ABC
What are the key elements of a workplace that allow you to be your best?
An office with walls and a door. I don’t understand how anyone can operate in an open-plan workplace. You need to be able to close the door so you can concentrate on your work. And hey, maybe you take a power nap under the desk every now and again but that only makes you more productive in the long run. They’ve done plenty of studies and the results show the open-plan office idea doesn’t work. Employees have known that for a long time. And I reckon the executives know it, too, ’cos curiously, they all seem to have kept their walls and doors.
What are your tips for sustaining energy and focus in the office?
Lots of cups of tea. The process of making a cup of tea is good thinking time. Some people might call it procrastinating, I call it ruminating. And of course, you can’t have a cup of tea without several biscuits. Three minimum, the first two never touch the sides, especially if you dunk. Dunking a biscuit means it’s gone in two bites because you have to shove it all in your mouth before it falls apart. It’s a safety issue.
Without naming names, have you ever been in a situation where you had a strong difference of opinion with a boss, a colleague or client, and how did you resolve it?
Look, we all know Roz and I disagree on a lot of things. But as I’ve gotten older and gained more experience in the workplace, I’ve discovered that the best way to resolve your differences is to simply agree to do the job their way – and then just do it your way. As long as the job gets done, they can’t complain.
What are your biggest workplace turn-offs?
1. Close talkers. Step back and respect your co-workers’ space. Also, I’m not trying to be some attention-seeking influencer on social media by saying that you need to drink four litres of water a day BUT please, people, make sure you knock back a glass of water occasionally while at work. Otherwise your breath will be toxic.
2. People who take too long in the workplace toilet. And yes, I’m talking about Ray. The workplace toilet should be for wees only and if you need to do something else, then you must get in and get out as quickly as possible. Don’t marinate in your own filth. You should never sit long enough on the office toilet that the seat is warm for the next person.
3. Colleagues who invite you to come and see their “gig”. Let’s be honest, if they were any good and worth watching, they’d be doing it professionally – they wouldn’t still be working in a suburban law firm. And obviously when I say “they”, I’m talking about Roz. I still haven’t recovered from the time we all went to watch her singing at Misty’s Piano Bar and Dessertery. Not only did I have to pay for a ticket (she didn’t give anyone a freebie), but I had to witness her slithering atop a piano singing Makin’ Whoopee like she was Michelle Pfeiffer in The Fabulous Baker Boys. It’s hard to unsee that.
After a tough day at work, how do you let off steam?
A virgin pina colada (I usually make it without the rum ’cos rum makes me punch on) and a big bowl of soup. I occasionally go to karatelates, which is a combination of karate and Pilates, and I’ve recently got into lifting weights ’cos everyone on Instagram says that’s what you should do if you’re a middle-aged lady. Turns out I’m unnaturally strong for my size – I can seriously bench about nine or 10 kilos. Not even joking.
What’s your idea of a perfect relationship?
Furry with four legs. Artie (my dog) is always delighted to see me. Every morning, he waits for me to wake up, and when I do, he is beyond excited – it’s like he cannot believe we are going to have another day together. Even if I leave the house for just five minutes, he’s thrilled when I return. Also, he’ll never cheat on me; I guarantee no matter what happens, he’ll always love me the most. Plus he’s never borrowed money from me or been embarrassed by me in any way. Dogs are wonderful. Everyone should experience that kind of unconditional love.
What advice do you have for the kids who harbour a dream to follow in your footsteps and one day work in the law?
Come in and see us at Gruber & Fisk and do some work experience. That way you’ll find out if you like it and I’ll get some free labour.
Fisk season 3 launches on Sunday (October 20), 8pm, ABC and iview. Fisk stars Kitty Flanagan, Julia Zemiro, Marty Sheargold, Aaron Chen, John Gaden and Glenn Butcher.
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