There has been inevitable speculation about how long Charles Li will remain as chief executive. His contract comes up for renewal in October, and although he has done an admirable job, nothing can be taken for granted at an organisation that experiences both market vicissitudes and government oversight.
Li took to the stage with much gusto and spoke at length about what lay in store for the year as the exchange’s three year strategic plan comes to a close in 2018. All was well until the Q&A, when a journalist took the microphone.
She began by saying something like, “I gather from your speech…”. But everyone quickly forgot about what she had gathered since the poor girl was interrupted by Li himself. Much to the surprise of everyone present, he bellowed, with a twinkle in his eye, “What do you mean by ‘my final speech’?!”
His response caused quite a stir in the audience, since it seemed only Li had misheard the question. The incident was quickly papered over, and he resumed his usual composure.
Freud would, of course, read a lot into this. Although the term ‘Freudian slip’ commonly applies to mistakes in speech, it can also apply to mishearing. But I think Li should get the benefit of the doubt. We’ve all said one thing and meant a mother.