When high-level careers intersect with deep personal connections, the result is a unique kind of harmony.
Dominique “Nick” Capistrano Laconico, President and CEO of Cleverpath Holdings, Megabet, and Charmagne Garcia-Laconico, CEO of ProAdvantage Consulting HR Ltd and Honorary Consul of the Philippines to Cyprus, explain how they have found that sweet spot where partnership, ambition and purpose align.
First things first. How did you two meet and who made the first move?
Charmagne: We met at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines during the 45th anniversary gala celebration of the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company. I was a resident artist at that time and the event was a grand homecoming for Bayanihan alumni from all over the world. As it turned out, Nick’s parents were also part of Bayanihan – his mother was one of the pioneers and his father was in music and production. After the gala performance, as I stood in the lobby among old friends and familiar faces, I noticed Nick across the hall. He made his way through the crowd, walked up to me and introduced himself. Technically, he made the first move but I already knew of him and his family name was familiar. Still, when he introduced himself, he made sure I’d remember him!
When did you move to Cyprus, and how did it affect the dynamics between you?
Nick: We moved in 2019. It was a joint decision – something we both wholeheartedly agreed on. From the beginning, we approached the move as a shared adventure, a new chapter for our family. Relocating to a new country can be overwhelming but in our case it brought us closer. It brought the best out of our partnership, as we were aligned and genuinely excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
How difficult was it to combine two careers and two lives on a single path? Does the fact that you are both in high-level positions make your marriage different from how it would have been if only one of you had such a role?
Charmagne: There’s always a natural push and pull – yin and yang – in any relationship and combining two demanding careers into one life comes with its difficulties. From the beginning, we made one thing very clear: our family comes first. That principle has always been at the core of everything – our decisions, our schedules, even our sacrifices. Of course, when one of us is under more pressure, that’s when the other steps up or steps back. If Nick is navigating a particularly demanding chapter, I make it a point to support him more and, when I go through something similar, he rises as my biggest anchor – reminding me of my strengths and helping me hold steady. It’s a rhythm we’ve learned over time. Being in high-level positions does add complexity – from the moment we met, we were already on our own paths, both headstrong, both driven. We respect each other’s drive and collaborate rather than conflict. Any success we’ve had feels shared, not individual.
Are your roles at home identical or do they complement each other?
Charmagne: Our roles at home are complementary by nature. We have a shared understanding that, traditionally, the father is the head of the household, while the mother is the heart of it. But beyond that, our dynamic is rooted in mutual respect and balance. For example, Nick loves to cook, so it’s never an issue of who should be in the kitchen. If I’m not up for cooking, he’s happy to take over and he genuinely enjoys it. We don’t adhere to rigid roles – we flow with what makes sense and what supports each other best in the moment. That said, there are certain things that naturally fall into place. I’m not exactly a handy person, so anything technical – repairs, tools, wiring, anything remotely mechanical – is Nick’s domain. He’s an engineer and, honestly, a bit of a MacGyver! The kids and I always say he’s good at fixing just about anything. On the other hand, I’m all about creating a warm, welcoming home – thoughtful touches, fresh flowers, cosy corners. It’s a reflection of us, a blend of the masculine and feminine, of structure and softness. So, we do divide responsibilities but in a way that feels organic –it’s less about duty and more about harmony.
Do you both understand the challenges of the other’s career? How important is it to support your partner’s career and feel that you are similarly supported?
Nick: Support is not just important – it’s essential. Life is full of highs and lows and in a marriage you can’t always expect to be on the same emotional plane at the same time. We take turns being the strong one and that unspoken rhythm has carried us through so much.
Charmagne: We mentor each other and, when needed, we call each other out – with love. When I’m going through a rough patch or questioning myself, Nick grounds me with logic and clarity. And when he’s going through something, I help him see things through a softer, more intuitive lens. That’s the beauty of our dynamic – our differences are our strength. Supporting each other’s careers isn’t just about being cheerleaders – it’s about offering real perspective, honesty and compassion and, at the core of it all, knowing that, no matter what, we’ve got each other’s back.
Daily job stressors can accumulate in family dynamics. Have you experienced the spillover of work stress into your family life? If so, how did you navigate that?
Nick: Absolutely – it’s something every household experiences. We’re only human and the truth is that we don’t just switch off after a tough day. Home is where we feel safest and most vulnerable, so stress often spills over. What matters is how we respond. When one of us is drained, the other instinctively steps in – whether through silence, a warm meal or simply knowing when to hold back. It’s about emotional awareness and reading each other without words. Not every moment is right for fixing things. Sometimes, just being present is enough. We always remind ourselves that we’re on the same team. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s compassion – and that’s what keeps our home a refuge, even when the world outside gets overwhelming.
How do you manage to make time for each other? Are there any routines or activities you intentionally prioritise to stay connected?
Charmagne: This was something we were intentional about from the very start of our marriage. We committed to always making time for each other, no matter how busy life became. Friday nights were our “us time” – our kids knew it was date night, even if it was just a walk, a quick errand or dessert out. It was never about doing something grand but about reconnecting. Now that our schedules are more demanding, we prioritise longer moments, like short trips, even if just for a day or two. It’s our way of staying connected and growing together.
Have you ever had to choose between accepting a new position and maintaining your home life?
Nick: Yes and it’s something we approach with care and deliberation. Any new position will inevitably affect home life in some way but what matters is how we respond to that. Whenever we’re faced with a new opportunity, we weigh the impact together. We’ve always been open to change and up for adventure, as long as the opportunity doesn’t compromise the values we uphold as a family. If the core of who we are and what we stand for remains intact, then we welcome the challenge.
Does one of your careers take priority over the other?
Nick: At different times, yes. And that’s something we’ve learned to embrace with maturity and grace. We’ve both taken turns stepping back to allow the other’s career to move forward. It’s never about ego – it’s about practicality, timing and what’s best for the family. Sometimes that means one of us puts dreams on hold for a season but it’s always temporary and it’s never forgotten. We’re not fixated on titles or recognition. We look at what’s most sustainable, most impactful and most aligned with our shared goals. In the end, the success of one is a win for us both
(Photos by Michalis Kyprianou)
- This article first appeared in the 2025 edition of The Cyprus Journal of Wealth Management. Click here to view it. To view the full edition, click here
