Rafael Baptista is the Strategy and Performance Analyst for the City of Raleigh, North Carolina. He serves on the Engaging Local Government Leaders Management Team and is a contributing author to Careers in Government. He holds a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Politics and Spanish from Willamette University where he was a member of the debate team. He is also a proud MPA graduate of the University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill.
Website: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelbaptista1%20
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When most people picture economic development, they think of smooth-talking men convincing companies to bring their jobs and investment to a community in exchange for infrastructure improvements and tax breaks. They think about backroom deals at the steakhouse and golf course. While this may be true to some degree in some communities, there is a growing movement towards equitable economic development.
Jerry Seinfeld once said, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” Rafael Baptista continues his public speaking column with hopes of calming your fears whether you’re speaking at a council meeting or a wedding reception.
