Don't book the first morning

Shadow Daniel first. He's experienced and a little amused, so his advice comes out slow and sure; pause before "Trust me". Then take Mei's part. Her questions are careful and polite. Practice the softener at the start, "can I run something by you?", until it sounds relaxed rather than nervous.

1. MeiDaniel, can I run something by you? It's my schedule for São Paulo.
2. DanielSure. It's your first time leading the trip, right? Let's see it.
3. MeiWe land Monday at six a.m., and the first client meeting is at nine.
4. DanielNine on Monday? After more than twenty hours of flying from Shanghai?
5. MeiThe client suggested it. I didn't want to say no.
6. DanielI understand. But you'll be sitting there with terrible jet lag, and it'll show.
7. MeiI sleep on planes, though.
8. DanielEveryone says that until the third flight. Trust me, the first morning is never your best.
9. MeiSo what do you usually do?
10. DanielLand, go to the hotel, sleep for three hours, then walk outside in the daylight. Meetings start Tuesday.
11. MeiBut then we lose a whole day.
12. DanielYou don't lose it. You're buying your brain back. The client gets a better version of you.
13. MeiHow do I explain that to them without sounding lazy?
14. DanielSay you'd like to give their project your full attention, so Tuesday morning works better.
15. MeiThat actually sounds professional.
16. DanielIt is. And pace yourself after that. Two meetings a day, not four.
17. MeiOkay. I'll email them now, before I lose my nerve.