A leader who was shaped early on by pressure and discipline
Joshua Chefec’s story begins in Great Neck, New York, a place he describes as “a pretty competitive and high-performing environment.” He learned to function under pressure at a young age.
He didn’t just focus on academics. He was also a serious clarinetist. He earned first chair in high school and performed at Carnegie Hall several times. “It 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 several sports, including soccer, lacrosse, basketball and tennis. This mix of team play and individual focus would later shape the way he leads in business.
He remained active outside of school. Skiing, diving and boating were part of his everyday life. The urge to stay committed and push boundaries has remained with him.
Tulane, finance and an early start in banking
Chefec moved to New Orleans to study and attended Tulane University. He graduated in just three years with a finance degree, supported by 29 AP credits.
He didn’t wait until graduation to start work. While still at school, he took on positions in asset management offices. In his first year, he received an internship at JP Morgan in Asset & Wealth Management.
“That really set the stage for everything else,” he says.
After graduating, he entered the world of SME financing at FGI Capital. There he worked on debt transactions for private equity firms and companies managing leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations. He also helped build a private equity coverage model.
It was a quick introduction to complex financial work. This gave him contact with high-ranking experts early in his career.
Building from the ground up 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 developed the strategy himself. He brokered deals, built relationships and carried out transactions from start to finish.
“I was responsible for the entire strategy,” he says, “from deal sourcing to execution.”
This experience shaped his leadership approach. It forced him to think clearly, act quickly and take responsibility.
He later joined LSQ as regional vice president. There, he led business development throughout New York and managed partnerships with major financial institutions.
The JPMorgan years: growth and recognition
Chefec returned to JPMorgan Chase in 2018 as a vice president in commercial banking. This time marked a major advancement in his career.
He focused on middle-market companies in industries such as 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 has also developed dozens of new customer relationships.
In 2022, he received Club Elite status, one of the company’s highest honors for bankers.
“This performance came from staying focused and doing the right thing for customers,” he says.
By 2023, he was promoted to Executive Director after a comprehensive 360-degree review process. He later became a market executive and led a team of nearly 30 bankers in New York.
In this role, he helped lead a multimillion-dollar company that served hundreds of customers. He also led the hiring effort, hiring more than 20 team members.
“When I build a team, I want to make sure there is diversity of thought,” he says. “That’s how you make better decisions.”
Leadership style: integrity, clarity and perseverance
Chefec believes that strong leadership begins with integrity.
“My industry is about doing right by people,” he says. “It’s about building trusting relationships and putting your money where your mouth is.”
He also values clear thinking and communication. In finance, decisions often involve complex situations. He focuses on breaking them down and staying grounded.
He doesn’t overcomplicate things. “I keep lists of things, but I try not to over-structure my career or my life,” he says.
Instead, he relies on discipline and mental strength. “I focus on courage and not destroying myself,” he explains. “I think about what advice I would give to others in my situation, and that’s what I tell myself.”
Overcome challenges and stay focused
Chefec is open to taking on challenges early in life. He grew up in a difficult home environment and had to grow up quickly.
He also had to accept setbacks when transitioning into the professional world. These experiences forced him to restart and rebuild.
“I had to grow up much faster than others,” he says. “I overcame these things by being resilient, focused, and pursuing what I wanted.”
This way of thinking still guides him today. He measures success by his own standards.
“Only you can define success,” he says. “It’s about being happy with the sum of the parts of your life.”
Looking ahead
Chefec also stays active outside of work. He skis, plays tennis and enjoys cooking. He also gives back through organizations like W!SE, helping to improve financial literacy and career readiness.
As his career evolves, his focus remains the same: building strong teams, making thoughtful decisions and staying grounded.
And keep growing.
“Success comes when you challenge yourself to grow, learn and enrich the lives of others,” he says.
