J. Christopher Westland – Author of “Audit Analytics: Data Science for the Accounting Profession (Use R!)”

The Data Maestro’s Symphony: Chris Westland’s Tale of Numbers, Motorcycles, and Lunar Mysteries

Mike interviews J. Christopher Westland.

In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, every venture is a fascinating journey, especially when exploring the brilliant mind of Chris Westland. Buckle up as we delve into the captivating symphony of numbers, motorcycles, and moon landings.

SUMMARY

The journey starts with a nod to the dynamic landscape available to everyday entrepreneurs. Chris introduces us to the intricacies of Zoom Info, a program that belongs to the league of data collection powerhouses. Imagine a world where data collection companies compile a vast mosaic of information daily, from emails and phone numbers to addresses and partnerships. It’s an invisible dance of data that occurs beneath the surface, unbeknownst to many. Chris draws attention to the real gem in this digital age – data. The contemporary gold mine, the treasure trove, holds limitless possibilities.

Chris masterfully draws a distinction between data and what he calls knowledge. In a world overflowing with exabytes of information, the challenge lies in distilling this vast sea of data into meaningful insights. Here, accounting becomes a key player, tracing its roots back to the eighth century in Baghdad. The algorithm, a pioneer of his time, applied algebra to unravel the complexities of Islamic inheritance laws, birthing double-entry bookkeeping and the foundational accounting equation – debits equal credits.

As we traverse history, Chris unravels the evolution of accounting, tracing its journey through empires and cultures. Fast forward to the 20th century, accounting principles aligned market capitalization with a company’s book value. However, a seismic shift occurred in the 1980s – a departure from the norm, leading to the divergence of market prices from book values. Enter the tech era, and the disconnect becomes evident in companies like Amazon, Apple, and Netflix, where market caps defy conventional book values.

Intriguingly, Chris brings forth a disruptive force – the rise of digital assets. Unveiling statistics from tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, he highlights the startling revelation that the book value reported by accountants often represents a mere fraction of the actual value perceived in the market. This poses a profound challenge for accountants who grapple with the subjective nature of valuing digital assets, leading to a significant breakdown in the relevance of traditional accounting methods.

Beyond the numerical symphony, Christopher Westland reveals his multifaceted persona. A connoisseur of motorcycles, he reflects on the organic experience of riding, the intricate dance between man and machine. It’s not just about speed; it’s about feeling the track, paying attention to every nuance, and embracing the risk. Motorcycles, to Chris, epitomize an unfiltered connection with the environment.

Mike Fallat and J. Christopher Westland talk about the book Audit Analytics: Data Science for the Accounting Profession (Use R!).

As the conversation meanders through various topics, we discover Chris’s musical prowess. A pianist of notable skill, he effortlessly weaves the world of numbers and notes into a harmonious narrative. The intersection of logic and artistry becomes evident as he seamlessly transitions from discussing accounting to sharing his love for music.

In a philosophical twist, Chris Westland contemplates a timeless question: did we land on the moon in 1969? True to his analytical nature, he entertains both possibilities. While acknowledging the historic achievement, he also contemplates the prospect of a faked moon landing, a strategic move to secure a win in the space race against Russia. This intriguing perspective adds a layer of mystery to a topic often considered a closed chapter in history.

Christopher Westland becomes a captivating narrator, seamlessly blending the worlds of data, motorcycles, and lunar exploration. It’s a journey through time, numbers, and personal passions, offering a glimpse into the mind of a polymath who effortlessly navigates the complexities of the data-driven universe. As we conclude this insightful episode, one thing is certain – Chris Westland has not only demystified accounting complexities but has also left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape, where curiosity and a willingness to embrace diverse experiences pave the way for innovation and growth.

Get his book here:

About Mike Fallat

Mike Fallat, aka The BookMan, is the owner of Dreamstarters Publishing and the Million Dollar Book Agency. They have helped 300+ entrepreneurs become bestselling authors. His goal is to help 1,000 entrepreneurs publish books and teach them how to use their books as a gateway to generating 7-figures.

Visit website for more information: https://www.milliondollarbookagency.com/

About Dreamstarters Publishing


Dreamstarters Publishing offers ghostwriting, cover design, and everything that is required to take an idea to a finished book (kindle, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook).


The Million Dollar Book Agency is the ultimate marketing CRM system for author-preneurs. Services include automated funnels, lead generation campaigns, book fulfillment, podcast management, press releases, virtual assistants, course development, and more.

Mike also hosts a podcast known as Million Dollar Stories and runs a membership-based site known as Million Dollar Circle. In addition to owning the book business, he invests in self storage real estate.

https://dreamstarterspublishing.com/

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