Relying on outdated training and Operational Excellence approaches drain time and money.

Yet countless teams stagnate because they lack hands-on improvement skills. They need a better way to learn to proactively solve problems and improve performance. A better way that doesn’t rely on the outdated card games that most Six Sigma and operational excellence trainers rely on.

Enter Maxim Korenyugin.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down to have a conversation with Maxim, a seasoned mechanical engineer and the dynamic co-founder of Pi-Sims.

If you’ve ever felt stuck improving the performance or problem-solving approach of a team—then Maxim’s story might be just the nudge you need to try something different.

Watch the Full Interview With Maxim Here:

As a Principal Consultant at BMGI, Maxim has spearheaded performance excellence initiatives across Europe, Asia, and former Soviet Union countries. With a serious background in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, Maxim is passionate about bridging the gap between advanced technology and practical, data-driven training programs. In this interview, Maxim shares his inspiring journey—and sheds light on his innovative approach to operational excellence.

From GE Plastics to Global Consulting

Maxim’s professional journey began at General Electric Plastics, where he initially worked in sales. In 1998, his career took a pivotal turn when he was introduced to the Six Sigma Green Belt programme. This experience ignited his passion for operational excellence, leading him to become a Master Black Belt. Over the years, Maxim honed his skills in process control, problem-solving, and leadership, eventually transitioning into a consultancy role in 2003.

As a consultant and trainer with BMGI, Maxim has empowered Lean and Six Sigma practitioners, engineers, technicians, and operators across various industries, including IT, plastic manufacturing, oil products, metal smelting, glass fiber manufacturing, credit and finance, parts assembly, mobile devices, sales and marketing processes, R&D, and innovation. His extensive experience spans roles at prestigious companies like Philips, Sberbank, Alfa Bank Ukraine, and Unilever, where he developed curricula, taught master black belts, and provided onsite support to executive business leaders navigating change.

Pi-Sims: Modernising Performance Excellence Training

In 2017, Maxim co-founded Pi-Sims to address a critical need in the market: the digitisation of traditional operational excellence training tools. Recognising that conventional training methods—relying on paper forms, building blocks, and other non-digital materials—were becoming outdated in a globalised world, Pi-Sims was born to offer a more efficient and accessible way of training.

Their flagship product, Del-Sim (Delivery Simulation), is a multi-player online tool that simulates a company's delivery process, complete with typical inefficiencies and challenges. Unlike traditional simulations, Del-Sim allows players from around the globe or within a classroom to collaborate in real-time, fostering a more realistic and engaging problem-solving environment. Maxim explains, “Del-Sim enables participants to practice their skills in a safe zone where they can experiment, make mistakes, and learn without the risk of disrupting actual business processes.”

Kaizen Manager: Scaling Training for Maximum Impact

Building on the success of Del-Sim, Pi-Sims developed the Kaizen Manager programme. This comprehensive training solution combines digital simulations with live facilitation, allowing companies to train large groups efficiently and consistently. Unlike older models that required extensive travel and time-consuming in-person classes, Kaizen Manager leverages online modules and interactive simulations to deliver high-quality training at scale.

Maxim highlights the benefits: “With Kaizen Manager, trainers can handle multiple groups simultaneously, significantly reducing costs and logistical challenges. Most of the training content is delivered online, freeing trainers to act as facilitators who guide teams through simulations, discussions, and project work. This approach not only accelerates the training process but also ensures that knowledge and skills are retained and applied effectively in real-world scenarios.”

The Enduring Importance of Operational Excellence

Throughout his career, Maxim has observed a recurring theme: technology alone cannot drive sustained performance improvements. While advancements in AI, data analytics, and other technologies offer immense potential, their true value is realised only when complemented by skilled professionals who can leverage these tools to identify and seize opportunities for improvement.

Maxim emphasises, “Small, incremental improvements can lead to significant gains when implemented consistently across an organisation. Trained teams equipped with the right problem-solving skills can uncover and address inefficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed. Over time, these cumulative changes can result in substantial cost savings and productivity enhancements.”

Simplifying Complexity for Broader Adoption

Maxim’s approach with Pi-Sims is grounded in simplicity and practicality. While his engineering background initially drew him to complex mathematical models and statistical analyses, he realised that these tools often intimidated participants and hindered widespread adoption. Pi-Sims addresses this by focusing on fundamental principles that are easy to grasp and apply, even for those without extensive technical expertise.

“We’ve streamlined the training to emphasise core concepts like identifying variation, setting clear goals, and fostering teamwork. By making the training less mathematically intensive and more interactive, we enable a broader range of employees to engage with and benefit from operational excellence programmes,” Maxim explains.

A Global Perspective and Personal Passion

Maxim’s extensive travels have enriched his professional insights and cultural understanding. Having visited over 100 countries, including multiple trips to the Amazon Jungle, India, and the far north, Maxim has developed a deep appreciation for diverse environments and the unique challenges they present. This global perspective informs his approach to consultancy and training, ensuring that Pi-Sims’ solutions are adaptable and relevant across different cultural and industrial contexts.

On a personal note, Maxim is an avid traveler who finds inspiration in nature’s untamed beauty. His upcoming expedition to Antarctica reflects his adventurous spirit and commitment to exploring the unknown—both professionally and personally.

Final Thoughts

Maxim Korenyugin combines deep technical expertise with innovative thinking. Through Pi-Sims, he is transforming how companies approach operational excellence, making it more accessible, engaging, and scalable. By prioritising practical application and simplifying complex methodologies, Maxim is enabling organisations to unlock hidden efficiencies and drive meaningful, sustainable growth.

If your company is looking to enhance its operational performance, bridge skill gaps, or effectively implement new technologies, Maxim’s Pi-Sims offers a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the demands of today’s globalised business environment. Maxim’s dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and his ability to adapt training to meet diverse needs make him a standout leader in the field of operational excellence.

Connect with Maxim Korenyugin on LinkedIn to learn more about how Pi-Sims can help your organisation achieve its performance goals.

About Pi-Sims

Pi-Sims was created to bring Performance Excellence Training into the 21st Century. Founded by Maxim Korenyugin and his colleagues, Pi-Sims digitises traditional training simulations, making them more accessible and efficient for a global audience. Their first product, Del-Sim, is an online simulation game that replicates real-world delivery processes, enabling teams to collaborate and solve problems in a controlled, virtual environment.

For more information, visit Pi-Sims.