Building a Career on Grit and Judgment

A Leader Shaped Early by Pressure and Discipline

Joshua Chefec’s story starts in Great Neck, New York, a place he describes as “a pretty competitive and high-achieving environment.” From a young age, he learned how to perform under pressure.

He wasn’t just focused on academics. He was also a serious clarinetist. He earned first chair in high school and performed at Carnegie Hall multiple times. “That definitely taught me how to handle a big stage and a lot of pressure at a young age,” he says.

At the same time, he played multiple sports, including soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and tennis. That mix of team play and individual focus would later shape how he leads in business.

Outside of school, he stayed active. Skiing, scuba diving, and boating were part of his routine. That drive to stay engaged and push limits has stayed with him.

Tulane, Finance, and an Early Start in Banking

Chefec moved to New Orleans for college, attending Tulane University. He graduated in just three years with a finance degree, helped by 29 AP credits.

He didn’t wait until graduation to start working. While still in school, he took roles in wealth management offices. By his junior year, he landed an internship at J.P. Morgan in Asset & Wealth Management.

“That really set the stage for everything else,” he says.

After graduating, he stepped into the world of middle-market finance at FGI Capital. There, he worked on debt deals for private equity firms and companies navigating leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations. He also helped build out a private equity coverage model.

It was a fast introduction to complex financial work. It also gave him exposure to senior professionals early in his career.

Building from Scratch in New York

Chefec’s next move tested his ability to build something new. At ExpoCredit, he opened the company’s first New York office.

He wasn’t handed a playbook; he created the strategy himself. He sourced deals, built relationships, and executed transactions from start to finish.

“I was responsible for the whole strategy,” he says, “from sourcing deals to execution.”

This experience shaped how he approaches leadership. It forced him to think clearly, move fast, and take ownership.

He later joined LSQ as a Regional Vice President. There, he managed business development across New York and handled partnerships with large financial institutions.

The JPMorgan Years: Growth and Recognition

Chefec returned to JPMorgan Chase in 2018 as a Vice President in commercial banking. This period marked a major step forward in his career.

He focused on mid-sized companies across industries like consumer retail, media, and manufacturing. Over time, he built strong relationships and delivered consistent results.

Between 2020 and 2022, he generated over $9.5 million in new revenue. He also brought in dozens of new client relationships.

In 2022, he earned “Club Elite” status, one of the firm’s top honors for bankers.

“That performance came from staying focused and doing right by clients,” he says.

By 2023, he was promoted to Executive Director after a full 360-degree review process. He later became Market Executive, co-leading a team of nearly 30 bankers in New York.

In that role, he helped manage a multi-million dollar business serving hundreds of clients. He also led hiring efforts, bringing in more than 20 team members.

“When I build a team, I want to ensure that there is diversity of thought,” he says. “That’s how you make better decisions.”

Leadership Style: Integrity, Clarity, and Follow-Through

Chefec believes strong leadership starts with integrity.

“My industry is about doing right by people,” he says. “It’s about building trusting relationships and following your words with action.”

He also values clear thinking and communication. In finance, decisions often involve complex situations. He focuses on breaking those down and staying grounded.

He doesn’t overcomplicate things. “I keep lists of things, but I try not to over-engineer my career or my life,” he says.

Instead, he relies on discipline and mental toughness. “I focus on grit and not allowing myself to be self-defeating,” he explains. “I think about what advice I would give to others in my situation, and I tell that to myself.”

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Focused

Chefec is open about facing challenges early in life. He grew up in a difficult home environment and had to mature quickly.

He also faced setbacks during his transition into the professional world. Those experiences forced him to reset and rebuild.

“I was forced to grow up much faster than others,” he says. “I overcame those things by being resilient and focused and going after what I want.”

That mindset continues to guide him today. He measures success on his own terms.

“Success can only be defined by yourself,” he says. “It’s about being content with the sum of the parts of your life.”

Looking Ahead

Chefec continues to stay active outside of work. He skis, plays tennis, and enjoys cooking. He also gives back through organizations like W!SE, helping improve financial literacy and career readiness.

As his career evolves, his focus remains steady: build strong teams, make thoughtful decisions, and stay grounded.

And keep growing.

“Success comes when you challenge yourself to grow, learn, and enrich the lives of others,” he says.