The problem is, no executive can (responsibly) say that. What if macro conditions worsen? Some kind of black swan event? I don't think it's appropriate to say "

The problem is, no executive can (responsibly) say that. What if macro conditions worsen? Some kind of black swan event? I don't think it's appropriate to say "we're definitely not doing layoffs soon." Not to mention, people will quibble about what they mean by soon and start asking for timelines. It's a lose-lose situation to be up on stage and get asked this question, and I think it shows a bit of immaturity or naiveté to pose it.