Mary Guzman: Revolutionizing How Companies Protect Their Intangible Assets
Disrupting Intellectual Property: How Mary Guzman is Changing the Game
In recent years, the realm of corporate assets has undergone a significant transformation, particularly regarding intangible assets. Mary Guzman, the founder and CEO of Crown Jewel Insurance, stands at the forefront of this change, bringing light to a crucial but often overlooked facet of corporate value: trade secrets. Through her innovative approach, Guzman is not only reshaping how companies perceive their proprietary knowledge but is also offering tangible solutions for its protection.
The Rise of Corporate Intangible Assets
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, global corporate intangible assets reached a staggering $97 trillion in 2025, marking a 23% increase from 2024. This astounding figure emphasizes the growing significance of intellectual property in defining a company's worth. Yet, despite this rise, it's estimated that between 79% and 83% of this intangible value does not reflect on corporate balance sheets due to stringent accounting standards. This discrepancy creates a challenge for businesses that fail to recognize the value of their trade secrets, internal processes, and proprietary knowledge, which can greatly affect asset protection, financing, and overall enterprise value.
The Importance of Trade Secrets
In discussions with host Karla Jo Helms on the Disruption Interruption Podcast, Guzman highlighted the often forgotten role of trade secrets within businesses. These secrets can include everything from confidential processes and internal strategies to accumulated knowledge gained through trial and error. Guzman asserts that it is crucial for companies to recognize that the