Inspired by nature's ability to precisely control chemical reactions using external stimuli, we synthesized and studied a transition metal complex featuring an azobenzene-appended ligand. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirmed successful ligand formation and coordination to the metal center. The complex exhibited efficient photoisomerization, remarkable reversibility, and improved thermal stability compared to the ligand alone. These characteristics suggest promising applications in advanced reactive processes, particularly for controlled substrate binding, intermediate stabilization, and selective product ejection, such as in CO2 reduction reactions. The ability to reversibly modulate ligand geometry and electronic environment with light could enhance the efficiency and selectivity of chemical transformations inspired by biological systems.