President Barack Obama’s re-election bid for the White House was no walk in the park. The odds were not in Obama’s favour given the United States’ high unemployment figures, growing tensions in the Middle East, and the slim margin of popular votes at home that separated the incumbent prez from challenger Mitt Romney at the polls last Tuesday. Political analysts point to the youth and minority votes as factors that helped to push Obama over the edge, while public relations gurus and style watchers agree that his other half was the real fillip in his cap. Yes, Michelle O of the toned arms, magnificent poise, refreshing eloquence, healthy-eating promotion — the true definition of a deliverable asset — was her hubby’s secret weapon.

Drawing inspiration from the dynamic one-two punch of Barack and Michelle, SO lists a few of our own power couples.

Adam and Jill Stewart

A triple-magnate threat: think hotelier, publisher and automotive honcho Adam Stewart is a ‘rising star’. Don’t believe us, the World Travel Awards dubbed him as such this past September, presenting him with a statuette. Wife Jill’s cool, collected disposition is an asset to hubby when she’s needed by his side to close the next major deal or to keep the family unit intact.

Aubyn and Tamara Hill

Aubyn Hill is not only the chairman and founder of NationGrowth MicroFinance Limited but he’s super-connected in financial markets overseas. With a Rolodex the envy of many, Hill’s gorgeous fashionplate wife Tamara could perhaps persuade him to help you fill out those complicated forms to access funding from, dare we suggest, the European Union and negotiate funding on your behalf.

Christopher Dehring and Katia Almeida

Did we hear someone say Rio? After welcoming their bundle of joy, Shiloh, back in January, we don’t have to hedge any bets that LIME Chairman Chris Dehring and his Brazilian belle Almeida are already making travel plans for football’s World Cup in 2014 or the Olympic Games in 2016.

Christopher and Kimberly Issa

What does a tall, handsome, well-educated hotel tycoon need to complete him? In the case of the Spanish Court Hotel’s Christopher Issa, having a stunning arm candy of a wife can’t hurt. As bright as she is beautiful, Kimberly is the perfect complement to hubby’s effortless charm.

Gary and Tina Matalon

One of the most unaffected, genuinely warm couples you’re likely to come across, Gary and Tina are looking to revamp the entertainment landscape with their KLE Group company. Fun and fabulous, the two are likely to make the guest list at exclusive invitation-only events, all the better to contemplate future business possibilities.

Governor General Patrick Allen and Lady Allen

As Queen Elizabeth’s representative on The Rock, Governor General Patrick Allen’s other half, Lady Allen, has stepped up her game. Gone is the matriarch-type wardrobe, replaced by a modern, fresh attitude to fashion that has given the Lady a new lease on public life, and sent her stocks soaring.

James and Jacqueline Lechler

We’re quite fond of Stewart Motors principals James and Jacqueline Lechler, who are never shy about a little PDA. Whether shaking a leg on the dance floor, expanding the family empire across the Caribbean or flying the black, green and gold at the last Olympic Games, ‘Fuzz’ and Jackie do it with easy finesse.

Michael and Melanie Subratie

An heiress to one of The Rock’s largest conglomerates, Melanie Subratie and her businessman hubby are the opposite of typical stuffed shirts. Engaging and down-to-earth, this power couple (pictured with their daughters Kristina and Anna) is all about quiet confidence. That, as they keep the Rock guessing about you know what.

Peter and Nicola Melhado

Unpretentious and ever so civilised, ICD President and CEO Peter Melhado is a man worth knowing. It doesn’t hurt to have his wife Nicola on speed dial if you’re looking to get on the in-demand roster of students at the American International of Kingston where she is the director of special of projects.

Phil and Erroleen Powell

His wickedly fantastic British wit intact, Phil Powell and his spirited fashionista wife Erroleen are usually spotted at must-do socials. Rest assured that having diplomatic licence plates makes it that much easier for the Powells to move around the city.

Steven Marston and Gia Abrahams

Recently entertaining guests at a Salut!-themed dinner party by CAC 2000 directors Steven Marston and wife Gia Abrahams, the pair’s impressive social skill set proved right on par with their tremendous business acumen. A true power couple if ever there was one.

Phillip (right) and Christine Gore (second right) with Anthony (left) and Jean Watson and their son James

Power players all, with global access to private clubs, hotels and concierge services. Let’s not forget their uncanny ability to throw the very best of parties. Having these power brokers on speed dial is guaranteed to add meaning to what might amount to a banal existence.

Phillip and Melanie Schwapp

Scrapes aplenty — but the-what-you-see-is-what you-get attitude and his impish charm keeps Phillip on the guest list of many an influencer. His wife Melanie with her uncanny eye for detail, transforms many a home into extraordinary dwelling abodes. Her ability to write and get published has further upped her currency.

Lt Col Milton Neath and Odette Dixon

He’s the epitome of an officer and a gentleman while she, the woman with the ability to turn crisis into an exquisitely managed occurence or expectation into reality. We reckon you now understand the true definition of a deliverable asset.

Andrew and Theresa Roberts

To be in the inner circle of Theresa Roberts, Rock-born UK-residing art enthusiast, and her private equity lawyer hubby Andrew Roberts gives you access to a galaxy of power brokers and celebs from British PM David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson to tabloid faves like Nancy Dell’Olio to boxing champ David Haye to film producers and art gallery owners. Who wouldn’t want to befriend the Roberts?

Shaggy and Rebecca Packer

He’s The Rock’s only diamond-selling reggae artiste; she’s his loyal and lovely companion of many years. Together, Shaggy and Rebecca Packer (pictured with daughter Sydney) get our vote as the standout philanthropic couple. Their combined efforts to stage the annual Shaggy and Friends charity performance show, which benefits the

Bustamante Hospital for Children, are both needed and noble.

PB and Jennifer Scott

He’s without a doubt one of the country’s most influential businessmen. PB Scott is chairman and CEO of a host of manufacturing and distribution, business solutions and financial service companies, which makes him the definition of a titan of industry. His bubbly attorney-at-law wife Jennifer keeps the empire in sound, legal order ensuring all the ‘I’s are dotted and T’s crossed.