Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1126: This ex-Navy linguist is using AI to win more government contracts w/ Arthur Runno
Government contracting is a complex, competitive, and highly lucrative industry—but Arthur Runno is changing the game. As the CEO of Turingon, Arthur is leveraging AI to streamline proposal writing and make federal contracts more accessible. With 20+ years of experience, billions of dollars in successful bids, and a background in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologic linguist, Arthur has a deep understanding of what it takes to win in this space.
In this episode, Arthur shares how his AI-powered platform, Proposal Pilot, is helping contractors automate compliance, improve efficiency, and land more deals—all while navigating one of the toughest business environments. Whether you're in government contracting or any other industry, this conversation is packed with game-changing insights on sales, proposals, AI, and leadership.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
🚀 Why proposals are a sales finalization document—and how to close the deal before you even submit it
🤖 How AI is transforming the way businesses compete (and how to use it without sacrificing security)
💰 The secrets behind winning government contracts—what makes proposals both compliant and compelling
🛠️ How to streamline proposal writing and bid on more contracts with less effort
💭 Lessons in leadership from the U.S. Navy—how to build a winning team and make smarter decisions
⚡ Why “getting in the arena” is the key to entrepreneurial success
📝 About Arthur Runno
Arthur Runno is the CEO of Turingon, an innovative AI-driven software company revolutionizing the government contracting space. With nearly two decades of experience in proposal and capture management, Arthur has led successful bids totaling billions of dollars. A Navy veteran and former Cryptologic Technician (linguist), he combines a strategic mindset with a passion for efficiency and innovation. At Turingon, Arthur is dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions like Proposal Pilot, designed to simplify compliance and empower contractors to win more business in the competitive federal market.
🎯 Arthur’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"It’s not the critic who counts, but the man in the arena. If you want to be an entrepreneur, you have to get in the arena. Plan carefully, be strategic, but don’t let fear keep you from taking action." – Arthur Runno
💡 Key Takeaways from Arthur's Advice:
✔ You can’t win if you don’t play—the best entrepreneurs take calculated risks
✔ Learn from both good and bad leaders—they all teach you what kind of leader you want to be
✔ Surround yourself with people smarter than you—and actually listen to them
📢 Memorable Quotes
💬 "A proposal is a sales finalization document. If you haven’t built the relationship before submission, you’ve already lost." – Arthur Runno
💬 "AI should enhance efficiency, not replace human connection." – Arthur Runno
💬 "If you stop moving forward, you die. A startup is like a shark—it has to keep swimming." – Arthur Runno
💡 Actionable Takeaways
✅ Focus on the client’s problem, not your service—make your proposals about their needs
✅ Use AI strategically—don’t just rely on generic tools like ChatGPT; invest in industry-specific solutions
✅ Lower the cost of bidding—streamline your proposals so you can bid on more opportunities
✅ Learn from failure—every lost contract is a lesson that makes the next proposal stronger
✅ Think long-term—whether it’s your business, career, or leadership, always build with an exit strategy in mind
🔗 Links & Resources